March 29, 2025 – Extrajudicial Killing in East Wallagga
On March 15, 2025, Ethiopian government forces allegedly killed a young man named Gari Hayilu in Qajela village, Gutu Gida district, East Wallagga Zone, Oromia Region. According to eyewitnesses, Gari was targeted solely for his Oromo identity. After being detained and tortured at a military camp in Eebbaa village, he was released, only to be executed shortly after. This act, reported to ONM-ABO on March 18, raises serious concerns about violations of international human rights commitments Ethiopia has ratified, particularly regarding the right to life and protection from arbitrary detention and torture.
March 25, 2025 – Mass Arrests in West Shaggar
In Dirree Incinnii district, West Shaggar Zone, Prosperity Party (PP) forces intensified their crackdown on Oromo civilians. On March 25, PP militia arrested Biraanuu Galaanaa in Arfijjoo Dagaa village, falsely accusing him of supporting the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). Witnesses report that he was subjected to brutal torture in detention. A week earlier, the same forces abducted Obbo Jifaaraa Akkumaa and his entire 10-member family, confiscating their property without justification. These actions echo a broader pattern of repression, violating fundamental legal protections against arbitrary arrest, forced disappearances, and inhumane treatment.
March 17-26, 2025 – Widespread Military Operations and Civilian Targeting
Reports from multiple zones in Oromia indicate ongoing military operations targeting civilians. Notable incidents include:
March 17 – Bachoo District (SW Shaggar): Ethiopian military burned civilian homes and confiscated livestock.
March 22 – Nageelle Arsi (West Arsi): PP cadres forced civilians into labor to construct party offices and extorted “salary payments” from impoverished residents.
March 24 – Sirka District (East Arsi): A civilian named Hassan Adam Haji Abdullah was killed, another wounded, and houses were looted following a military retaliation after OLA engagement.
Patterns of Systematic Repression
Targeting of civilian properties and economic assets (grain, livestock).
Forced labor and extortion by government-affiliated forces.
Retaliatory killings following OLA engagements.
Arbitrary arrests and widespread torture.
Growing Concerns and Deteriorating Humanitarian Conditions
These incidents highlight an alarming escalation of violence against Oromo civilians, with no government response addressing the mounting allegations. The humanitarian situation in affected areas continues to deteriorate as forced displacements increase. Calls for accountability and adherence to international human rights standards remain unanswered, intensifying concerns over Ethiopia’s commitment to its legal obligations and the worsening crisis in Oromia.
