11 August, 2026
ONM-ABO
Reports of severe human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, forced conscription, and systematic economic coercion against civilian populations across multiple zones of Oromia, have continued to mount over the past week, according to testimonies gathered by Oromia National Media (ONM) from local residents and witnesses.
In the most recent wave of violence documented from August 3 to August 9, 2026, forces affiliated with the Abiy Ahmed regime and allied militias have intensified a campaign of violence and intimidation against Oromo civilians. The reported atrocities range from targeted assassinations and indiscriminate arrests to the forced conscription of minors and the elderly into military training camps, all accompanied by widespread extortion.
Extrajudicial Killings and Summary Executions
In East Wallagga Zone, Nunnuu Qumbaa district, residents reported that on August 6, state forces forcibly removed four young men, Damee Ayyalaa, Biqilaa Imaanaa, Asiraaroo Naasiroo, and Abdiisaa Taammiruu, from their family homes. After detaining them for two days in the Adaree town administration, they were transported to the village of Birinqaas on August 8, where they were executed at a single location.
Similarly, in the Lixa Harargee Zone’s Doobbaa district, forces shot and killed a 12th-grade student, Sulee Abdii, on August 6. Witnesses stated that security forces opened fire on the student as they attempted to forcibly conscript him for military training, killing him on the spot.
In the Baha Wallagga Zone’s Roobee district, two farmers, Ullee Sulxii, a father of seven, and Gosaa, were executed by gunfire in front of their homes on August 6 on false allegations of having ties with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). An additional 27 farmers in the same district were forcibly conscripted the following day.
Forced Conscription and Attacks on Civilians
The practice of forced conscription has escalated dramatically, with state forces and militias forcibly conscripting civilians across Oromia, including children under 18 and elderly citizens.
In Baha Shaggar Zone, Liiban Cuqqaalaa district, forces rounded up dozens of young people, including 17-year-old Mishaa Jaadoo Badhaasoo and 18-year-old Abuluu Badhoo Wandooshaa, from markets and schools in Adulaalaa town on August 2. They were forcibly taken for military training. These conscription efforts are being spearheaded by local militia commander Namsoo Obsee.
Residents of Shaallaa district reported that militias demanded 1,300 Ethiopian birr from every household in the village of Sinqellee Goorii, ostensibly to feed militias. On August 4, farmers, including Haajjii Bokkee, Bariisoo Gammachuu, and Gammadii Duubee, were arrested and detained for refusing to pay.
In the Cawwaqaa district of Buunnoo Beddellee, militias have set up checkpoints to prevent residents from carrying more than 30 kg of food items, confiscating surplus as “supplies for the OLA.”
Economic Coercion, Extortion, and Destruction
A systematic campaign of economic coercion, extortion, and destruction of property continues across the region. In the Giddaa Ayyaanaa district of Baha Wallagga, militias are imposing arbitrarily inflated taxes, extorting between 20,000 and 100,000 birr from businesses and individuals. One trader in Ayyaanaa town told ONM that the demanded taxes exceed the value of their entire inventory.
Residents of the Habroo district in Lixa Harargee reported being forced to pay 5,000 birr each under the pretext of a “water meter change.” In the Wancii district, a structured extortion scheme was documented, with forced levies being collected from market vendors.
In the Bulchiinsa Magaalaa Adaamaa, militias are reportedly demanding 30,000 to 50,000 birr from families to exempt their children from conscription, while those who cannot pay are forced to the front lines.
Targeted Arrests and Displacement
Targeted arrests of civilians for alleged OLA ties continue.
In the Malkaa Bal’oo district, 14-year-old students Bishrii Mahaammad, Yaasin Kamaalii, and Mirqaansaa were arrested and detained on August 5 for refusing conscription. In the Dibaax district, farmer Muluu Abdiisaa was arrested on fabricated charges, detained in a military camp, and tortured.
Analysis
The documented abuses over the past week underscore a deepening crisis in Oromia. The pattern of violence indicates a systematic strategy by regime forces to suppress Oromo civilians through a combination of extrajudicial killings, forced conscription, and economic strangulation.
The use of children and the elderly as forced soldiers, as witnessed in multiple districts, represents a stark violation of both international law and fundamental human rights. The targeting of farmers and the imposition of arbitrary taxes are part of a broader campaign of economic warfare against the Oromo people.
Local communities have demanded that the international community and human rights organizations urgently investigate these crimes and intervene to halt the escalating violence. Meanwhile, the Oromo Liberation Army has reportedly welcomed a faction of the regime’s forces who defected and surrendered with their weapons in Eebantuu district, indicating growing dissent within the regime’s own ranks.
As the conflict deepens, the civilian population of Oromia continues to bear the brunt of an unforgiving campaign of state-sanctioned violence. The testimonies from across multiple zones paint a damning picture of a state resorting to the most brutal methods of control, leaving communities in terror and desperation.
Key Incidents Documented (August 3 – 9, 2026)
· Extrajudicial Killings: Summary executions of at least 10 civilians across five districts.
· Forced Conscription: Dozens of civilians, including minors, forcibly taken for military training.
· Economic Coercion: Extortion and forced taxation in at least eight districts.
· Targeted Arrests: Hundreds of civilians detained on fabricated charges.
· Destruction of Property: Homes and businesses demolished in Gidaamii district.
Oromia National Media (ONM) will continue to monitor and report on the unfolding humanitarian and human rights crisis across Oromia.
