- At least 60 Orthodox Christians have been killed in two massacres in the Oromia region of central Ethiopia, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
- The church reported that 14 people were killed in Merti district on 20 October, followed by 46 deaths in Shirka district four days later, with over 20 injured and 20 homes destroyed.
- Oromia regional government spokesperson Hailu Adugna blamed the rebel Oromo Liberation Army for the attacks, accusing them of attempting to incite religious and ethnic conflict.
- Regional authorities promised assistance to those affected and action against the perpetrators, though no evidence was provided to support the accusations against the rebels.
- Human rights monitors have highlighted ongoing abuses by both government forces and the rebels, warning that media restrictions hide the full extent of civilian suffering.
IN FULL
