By ONM-ABO
September 19 2026
As September 2026 progressed into its second half, human rights violations across Oromia expanded beyond military roundups into structural disenfranchisement, administrative corruption, land grabs, and border insecurity. Municipal agencies increasingly leveraged state authority to impose economic burdens, shutter educational facilities, and dispossess rural agriculturalists.
Systematic Disruption of Primary and Higher Education
Access to formal education was severely compromised across several administrative zones. Between September 8 and September 12, 2026, field reports confirmed that Ifa Baas Cooree Primary School in Daaboo Haannaa District (Buunnoo Beddellee Zone), an institution established in 2006 E.C., remained shuttered for its third consecutive academic year. Authorities cited security risks and alleged OLA presence to justify keeping the facility closed, leaving hundreds of local children without access to primary schooling.
Simultaneously, around September 12, 2026, municipal education offices in Naqamte City (East Wallagga Zone) and Shaggar City (Buraayyuu Sub-City) imposed mandatory, non-receipted registration levies ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 ETB per student. These forced fees compelled low-income families to withdraw their children from enrollment at the start of the school term.
Corruption also compromised civil service recruitment. On September 14, 2026, teaching applicants under the Finfinnee (Addis Ababa) Education Bureau exposed a scheme where qualified candidates with high CGPAs and passing exit exam scores were bypassed in favor of individuals who paid large bribes or possessed party connections.
Agricultural Destruction, Land Seizures, and Forced Displacements
Administrative power was further weaponized against landholders and agrarian livelihoods:
- September 15, 2026 – Daaroo Labuu District (West Hararghe Zone): Local cadres in Kotora kebele finalized the forced eviction of long-term farmers, including Obbo Amiin Sheekaa, Obbo Abdallaa Mahaammad Muusaa, and Obbo Ahimad Mahaammad Waariyoo, selling farmlands held continuously since before 1981 E.C. to private developers despite ongoing legal appeals.
- September 16, 2026 – Habroo District (West Hararghe Zone): Local authorities in Leellisaa kebele blocked female farmer Aadde Milkiisaa Adam from harvesting eight hectares of mature sorghum, leaving her crops to be destroyed by wild animals under allegations of OLA sympathy.
- September 17, 2026 – Dire Dawa Administration (Kebele 01): Municipal officials executed forced evictions against peri-urban farming communities under the pretext of “investment development,” demolishing homes without offering compensation or relocation assistance.
Cross-Border Incursions and Regional Instability
On September 18, 2026, in Jiillee Dhummuugaa District (Walloo Zone), armed Afar forces carried out a cross-border raid into Kuush grazing pastures. The attack resulted in 8 Oromo pastoralists killed, 7 injured, and substantial numbers of livestock looted, while regional and federal forces refrained from intervening.
Structural Impact
By the end of September 2026, the combined impact of shuttered classrooms, exorbitant municipal levies, land confiscation, and unpunished border raids continues to undermine civilian security and long-term socio-economic viability throughout Oromia.
