The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is actively monitoring and investigating the attacks carried out on May 31 and June 1, 2026, in the Aseko Woreda of Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region. Based on information and evidence gathered through on-site physical presence, testimonies from eyewitnesses, victims, victims’ families and relevant government bodies, as of the release of this statement, EHRC has confirmed that the armed group identifying itself as the Oromo Liberation Army (commonly referred to as “OLF-Shene”) carried out an attack resulting in the killing of members of government security forces and civilians, the displacement of residents and the destruction and burning of property.
As EHRC confirmed during its investigation process, armed movements were observed around Deleta Chaffa Kebele in Aseko Wereda starting from May 30, 2026, prompting the deployment of local militia and members of the Oromia Anti-Guerrilla Police to the area. This deployment subsequently led to a clash between the armed group commonly known as “OLF-Shene” and the security forces. Following the clash, the armed group launched an attack on residents, claiming the lives of three civilians who were unable to flee the area: Hailu Nigussie and Semu Abayneh, who were followers of Christianity, as well as Bato Sefeno, a follower of Islam who was herding cattle in the area.
Additionally, EHRC has confirmed that an unverified number of houses and Deleta Kidus Gabriel (St. Gebriel) Church were burned down; the fence of Biyo Butule Sheikh Mustafa Mosque was damaged; lootings were carried out at Deleta Chaffa Health Center, residential homes, and commercial shops; and an estimated total of more than 2,650 residents were displaced.
It is recalled that EHRC has repeatedly urged that appropriate precautions be taken to prevent the recurrence of attacks by armed groups in Shirka, Aseko, Anqolo Wabe, Guna and Merti woredas of the Arsi Zone, and to ensure accountability for perpetrators. Given that the continued recurrence of similar attacks and human rights violations in the area is deeply concerning, the government must fulfil its responsibility to rehabilitate victims by strengthening its ongoing efforts in the affected areas, urgently deploying government security forces and ensuring peace and security. In this context, EHRC urges the government and other partners to provide adequate emergency humanitarian assistance to residents displaced by the attacks and to facilitate conditions enabling their safe return and sustainable rehabilitation. Furthermore, while noting that it will release a detailed investigation report on the matter, EHRC calls upon all institutions and individuals to refrain from labeling and provocative rhetoric without proper verification of the attacks, as such actions carry a high risk of inciting further conflict.
EHRC’s Chief Commissioner Berhanu Adello expressed the Commission’s profound sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries inflicted upon citizens and stated that human rights violations committed against civilians remain deeply concerning. He further noted that the government’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the situation and ensure accountability must be sustained. Accordingly, he called upon the government to deploy adequate security forces at all times in all areas facing security threats and to proactively work to prevent similar attacks, thereby ensuring that residents’ rights to life, physical security and property are not jeopardized. The Chief Commissioner also urged the government to conduct thorough investigations to ensure accountability and to take measures to compensate and rehabilitate the victims. Finally, he called upon all parties to go beyond merely condemning violence and to refrain from provocative statements and actions that could incite further conflict.