ONM-ABO – May 12-13, 2025 – Looting and violence by the Prosperity Party (PP) army have escalated in the districts of Abuna Gindabarat in West Shaggar and Tole in Southern Shaggar, residents report.
On May 9, 2025, more than 50 residents of Gagoo Solee village in Qarre Bitee, Abuna Gindabarat district, were ambushed and robbed by PP soldiers. Victims included women and elderly residents carrying flour and grains after walking over three hours to the nearest mill. Among the stolen items were bags of flour, salt, and grains from residents like Mrs. Shukare Fayisa, Mrs. Qanani Masfine, Mrs. Asmara Tolasa, and Mr. Dirriba Gamada. The soldiers reportedly beat the victims at gunpoint.
In Tole district, on May 12, 2025, PP soldiers killed Mangistu Getacho, a 45-year-old farmer and father of several children. His body was discarded in a ditch. The same day, they set fire to the home of Mr. Obsee Gudissa in Dhukat village, destroying all belongings. They also looted four livestock from Mr. Asinaqa Tamama in Aqooce Maram village.
Health Services Collapse in Arsi as Healthcare Workers Strike
ONM-ABO – May 14, 2025 – Healthcare services have ground to a halt in West and East Arsi districts as medical professionals protest unpaid salaries, leaving patients in severe distress.
Since May 13, 2025, healthcare workers in Dodola district and surrounding areas have been on strike, demanding salary increases and better working conditions. The PP regime has responded with threats and arrests, further intensifying the crisis.
Healthcare services have also been disrupted in other regions, including Amhara, Walaita, Arbaminch, and Finfinnee. Dr. Maqdes Dhaba, the head of the Ministry of Health, has acknowledged the situation but has failed to address the workers’ demands.
52 PP Soldiers Defect to OLA in Western Wallaga
ONM-ABO – May 15, 2025 – In a significant wave of defections, 52 soldiers from the PP regime have joined the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in the districts of Qilxu Kara, Mana Sibuu, Lataa Sibuu, and Gawo Qebbe in Qellem Wallaga.
According to ONM sources, 34 of the defectors were anti-insurgents and militiamen, while 18 were members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces. Some fled with their full military gear and weapons, while others abandoned their uniforms and escaped to the OLA camp.
The defectors expressed gratitude for the warm reception at the OLA camp and called on other soldiers suffering under PP command to defect and join the liberation struggle.
