Widespread Atrocities Reported in Oromia as Armed Conflict and Human Rights Abuses Escalate Published July 1, 2025, 12:10 a.m. by FNN Finfinne, Oromia | Ethiopia — July 1, 2025 Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest region, is experiencing a surge in violence, with reports of targeted killings, forced displacements, arbitrary detentions, and widespread human rights violations in multiple zones across the region. In eastern Arsi, heavily armed Amhara militias, widely identified as Fano and reportedly backed by the ruling Prosperity Party (PP), carried out a series of attacks on Oromo farming communities in Shanana Kolowa district. On June 29, Oromo civilians were reportedly killed in the villages of Shabi Kami, Lafto Rifvensu, and Tollo Qararo. Victims included Makter Abd, Melata Hassan Ibrahim, Hamdi Hussein Gulji, and Ahmed Hassan. On June 18, additional civilians - Tugi Idris, Aisha Abdallah, Mumi Magarsa, and Ahmed Ghalmo - were injured when gunmen opened fire during a gathering organized under the guise of reconciliation between Oromo and Amhara communities in Kamise district. Later in the Hartma Fursi area, a man was killed and livestock were shot or looted during similar incidents. The violence continued in the West Wallaga zone, where, on July 1, several young people were forcibly taken from Sayyoo Noolee district by government troops. The whereabouts of detainees, including Milkias Dingata and Alamaayyoo, remain unknown. In Gulliso district, roads were blocked and communities denied access to food and essentials in what residents described as collective punishment. In East Wallagga, multiple residents of Waamaa Hagaloo district were arrested without charges on July 1. Among those detained were Waaqjira Gurmeessa, Jiraata Faajji, Girma Dhangi'a, Milkeessa Mitikku, Gammachu Giddiisa, Waaqgaari Saddeeta, and Caaltu Amsaalu, a mother of three. In Billo Boshe, troops reportedly used derogatory slurs as they seized food from farmers in Ejersa-Gute village. In East Arsi, on June 30, unidentified armed actors reportedly executed two civilians, Safii Dawudo Galato and Kamal Nuree Jilo, in their homes. Following their deaths, their properties were seized and their families forced to flee. In the Muneessa district’s Heban Dhubbo village, local sources report that retaliatory actions by government forces, following a reported OLA operation, included the burning of homes and further displacements of civilians. In East Shaggar’s Boosat district, government troops and local collaborators launched raids on July 1, reportedly causing a mass exodus of residents. Homes were searched and Oromo activists were reportedly targeted. Community members said the troops were conducting operations to disrupt logistical networks and suppress local resistance. Further south, in Soddoo Dacci district of South West Shaggar, the killing of a 70-year-old woman, Aadde Bashuu Dabalee, on July 29 sparked widespread outrage. The PP military is also accused of burning homes, confiscating property, and executing civilians in the region. In Southern and Western Shaggar, residents of Tole and Shaggar Siti districts continue to report a rising wave of arrests, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings since late June. Observers in the region describe a heavy military presence and widespread use of intimidation against civilians. Across Oromia, these incidents have contributed to what many fear is a coordinated campaign to suppress Oromo identity and resistance. Calls for accountability, protection of civilians, and immediate international attention continue to mount amid fears that the situation may deteriorate further. Similar posts: Oromo Liberation Army Conducts Operations in Western Wallaga Oromo Liberation Army continues to weaken the regime amidst escalating tensions Escalating Unrest and Human Rights Concerns in Oromia Region Oromo Liberation Army's Confrontation with Security Forces and Defection of Ethiopian Soldiers