- Arbitrary Detentions and Brutal Torture Surge in Walloo
March 13, 2025 – Oromia National Media (ONM-ABO)
Reports of arbitrary detentions and torture by Prosperity Party (PP) militia continue to emerge from Walloo Zone in Oromia, where civilians are subjected to inhumane treatment and imprisonment without due process.
On March 9, 2025, in Goohee village, Harxummaa Fursee district, PP militia allegedly abducted farmer Aliyyii Mahaammad Hasan, severely beat him, and detained him in Qiciicoo town without cause. The detention, which contradicts Ethiopia’s Constitution (FDRE, 1995), Article 19, violates protections against arbitrary arrest, as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1993), Article 9.
Similarly, on March 8, 2025, in Golboo Arbaa, local resident Maammee Mahaammad Sayiduu was accused of possessing a firearm, a charge residents say was fabricated. Witnesses report that PP militia bound his hands, beat him, and shattered one of his hands. He had previously been targeted for refusing to join the militia. These actions violate multiple legal provisions, including:
Ethiopia’s Constitution (FDRE, 1995), Article 17, which protects individuals from arbitrary detention.
The Convention Against Torture (CAT, 1994), Article 2, which prohibits torture under all circumstances.
The Ethiopian Criminal Code (2004), Article 424, which criminalizes torture.
Local sources confirm that PP forces are systematically targeting Oromo civilians, raising concerns about widespread human rights abuses in the region.
- Extrajudicial Killing of Oromo Youth in Qellem Wallagga
March 12, 2025 – Oromia National Media (ONM-ABO)
In Sayyoo district of Qellem Wallagga Zone, Ethiopian government forces are accused of executing an unarmed Oromo youth, intensifying the ongoing crackdown.
According to ONM-ABO, on March 10, 2025, PP militia shot and killed Daggoo Warquu Masqalaa in Walga’ii Bubbukaa village’s Qanqalcha area. Witnesses say the execution was carried out without warning or justification, solely based on ethnic targeting.
This killing violates:
Ethiopia’s Constitution (FDRE, 1995), Article 15, which guarantees the right to life and prohibits extrajudicial killings.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1993), Article 6, which forbids arbitrary executions.
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR, 1998), Article 4, which protects the right to life.
Residents accuse the Ethiopian government of orchestrating a campaign of state violence against Oromos, with increasing reports of enforced disappearances and mass killings.
- Trader Executed, Homes Looted in West Shaggar.
In Iluu Galaan district of West Shaggar Zone, government forces are alleged to have executed a local trader and looted civilians’ homes in an ongoing wave of repression.
On March 10, 2025, PP militia allegedly ambushed Addunyaa Yaadasaa, a trader from Abakuu Aannoo village, while he was traveling to Waddeeyyii Giraanchee. Witnesses report that he was held at gunpoint, tortured for hours, and shot dead. His killing violates:
Ethiopia’s Constitution (FDRE, 1995), Article 15, which guarantees due process.
The ICCPR (1993), Article 6, which bans arbitrary executions.
The Ethiopian Criminal Code (2004), Article 538, which classifies murder as a crime.
That same day, in Waddeeyyii Giraanchee, PP forces reportedly broke into the home of Buzunaa Shuumaa, looted furniture, solar panels, a fridge, and other valuables. The looting contravenes:
Ethiopia’s Constitution (FDRE, 1995), Article 40, which protects private property.
The Ethiopian Criminal Code (2004), Article 672, which outlaws robbery.
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR, 1998), Article 14, which safeguards property rights.
Calls for Accountability
Local communities and human rights activists are calling for urgent international intervention to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Oromia. Reports of systematic killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and mass arrests indicate a state-led campaign against the Oromo people.
Despite these escalating violations, the Ethiopian government has failed to investigate or hold perpetrators accountable. Human rights organizations urge the United Nations, African Union, and international legal bodies to take decisive action before the violence spirals further.
As reports of state-sanctioned atrocities increase, the call for justice, accountability, and international scrutiny grows louder.