March 25, 2025
Finfinne, Ethiopia – Multiple reports from the Oromia National Media (ONM-ABO) indicate severe human rights violations in Oromia region, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, and systemic extortion by security forces linked to the ruling Prosperity Party (PP). The incidents would represent a stark violation of both Ethiopian and international law.
Extrajudicial Killing and Torture in East Borana
According to ONM-ABO sources, on March 19, 2025, PP-aligned militia fatally shot an elderly Oromo man, Areri Gobana Udo, in Dhadacha Gola village, Liban District, East Borana Zone. Local sources reported the attack was unprovoked, with no prior legal process-a potential breach of Ethiopia’s Constitution (Article 15) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, Article 6), which prohibit arbitrary deprivation of life.
In the same incident, a young man, Siraj Damise Qundhi, was reportedly severely injured and taken to Saransari military camp, where he remains detained without medical care. Such treatment, if confirmed, would violate Ethiopia’s constitutional protections against torture (Article 17) and the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT).
Mass Arrests and Abuse in West Harargee
Further reports from West Hararge’s Hancari District describe widespread arbitrary detentions, with civilians accused of ties to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) allegedly subjected to prolonged imprisonment and torture. Among those detained are brothers Qasim Jara and Adam Jara, along with Ms. Nagate Qasim, seized from Midhagdu village.
Ethiopian law (Constitution Article 19, ICCPR Article 9) requires due process for detainees, while the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR, Article 5) prohibits cruel treatment. The allegations, if true, suggest a pattern of abuse reminiscent of historical state-sponsored repression in other conflict zones.
Systemic Extortion in Jimmaa Zone
In Jimma Zone, PP forces are accused of coercing civilians into paying arbitrary “fees” ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 birr under false pretenses, including mandatory “health insurance” contributions that provide no actual services. Reports indicate government workers and youth face threats ahead of upcoming elections, with agronomist Rashid Haji Gojjam allegedly dismissed without cause.
Such actions would contravene constitutional property rights (Article 40) and criminal laws against extortion (Article 417). The African Charter (Article 14) explicitly safeguards citizens against dispossession without legal justification.
The Ethiopian government has not yet publicly addressed these specific allegations. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for resolving the Eritrean-Ethiopian conflict, has faced increasing criticism over human rights concerns in Oromia and other regions.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for independent investigations into abuses in Ethiopia, particularly in conflict-affected zones. The latest reports, if substantiated, could intensify pressure on the Ethiopian government to uphold legal and humanitarian obligations.
Conclusion
The allegations from East Borana, West Hararge, and Jimma depict a troubling escalation in reported abuses. With elections approaching, concerns over state-sanctioned repression and economic exploitation demand urgent scrutiny. The international community, including the African Union and UN human rights bodies, may face renewed calls to intervene.
