Fresh reports of civilian killings have emerged from East Wollega Zone in Ethiopia’s Oromia regional state, raising renewed concerns over security and civilian protection in the area.The incident reportedly occurred in Gida Ayana district, specifically Andode Kebele in the Ali locality. According to Enat Party, a nationally recognized opposition group, the violence is ongoing and began on December 9.In a statement released Thursday through its official social media platforms, Enat Party alleged that the killings were carried out by government-affiliated forces rather than non-state armed groups commonly blamed for violence in the region. The party claims that approximately twenty Tata trucks transporting Oromia regional special forces were deployed to the area shortly before the massacre.The party described the killings as systematic and exceptionally brutal, asserting that civilians were attacked using knives and other close-range methods. Bodies of victims, it said, were gathered after the attacks. While no confirmed death toll was provided, Enat Party stated that survivors have fled and are currently hiding in nearby forested areas.According to accounts cited by the party, armed groups such as the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and Fano forces were not present in the area at the time of the attack. Residents reportedly told the party that local communities had been disarmed earlier after receiving assurances of protection from government authorities.Enat Party further alleged that federal defense forces previously stationed in the area for civilian protection were withdrawn shortly before the violence began, reinforcing its claim that the attack was deliberate and coordinated.The Oromia regional government and federal authorities have not issued any public statements regarding the incident as of the time of publication.East Wollega has experienced repeated episodes of mass civilian killings in recent years, with victims predominantly drawn from ethnic Amhara farming communities.In response to the latest events, Enat Party called on the government to either fulfill its responsibility to protect civilians or permit local communities to arm themselves for self-defense.The party has gained prominence in recent years for documenting and publicizing alleged massacres of civilians and members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, particularly in the Amhara region. It was previously barred by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia from joining the Coalition for Ethiopian Unity, a decision the board attributed to procedural deficiencies in the party’s application.Enat Party maintains that the violence in East Wollega and similar regions reflects a broader pattern aimed at altering the region’s demographic composition. Its reports, the party says, are based on direct testimonies from residents who have survived the attacks.
