The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) investigated allegations of human rights violations due to armed attack on October 24, 2026, in Birbona Chole Kebele, Sirka Wereda (previously part of Arsi Zone), Southeast Oromia Zone, Oromia Region.
EHRC visited the places, conducted physical observations, and gathered information from victims, victims’ families, eyewitnesses, community representatives, leaders of religious institutions, victims receiving medical treatment at health stations, and relevant government bodies. These were corroborated with digital investigation techniques. Based on the investigation, EHRC found that the armed attack caused death, physical injuries, displacement and property destruction.
The EHRC’s investigation confirmed that on October 24, 2026, between 6:30 am and 8:30 am, members of the armed group operating in the area that calls itself the Oromo Liberation Army (commonly known as OLF-Shane) attacked Birbona Chole kebele, Sirka Woreda, Southeast Oromia Zone of the Oromia Region from four directions. The OLF-Shane killed 23 members of security force organized at kebele-level, 5 militia members, and 13 civilians. In addition, informally armed individuals extensively operating in the area killed 7 additional civilians. Furthermore, the OLF-Shane injured 20 individuals, burned down 21 homes, and displaced 247 households. An unverified number of cattle and other domestic animals were also looted.
EHRC recalled that it has repeatedly urged the government to take necessary measures to prevent attacks, protect the security of persons, and hold perpetrators accountable for the recurring attacks in Asako, Onkolo Wabe, Guna, and Merti woredas of the former Arsi Zone in the Oromia Region. Under Article 13(1) of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Constitution, all federal and regional government bodies have the obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights to life, property, and liberty and security of persons. Beyond investigating the allegations of violations and ensuring accountability, the government should take sustainable preventive measures to prevent recurrence of civilian attacks. Furthermore, necessary measures must be taken to monitor informally armed actors operating outside the state’s security structure.
EHRC Chief Commissioner, Berhanu Adello, stated that the killings, physical injuries, property damages, and displacement inflicted upon residents are of grave concern, adding that the government must provide adequate and effective protection to affected residents and all areas facing similar security risks; in particular, it must discharge its obligation to protect residents’ lives, physical integrity, and property by reforming local security structures, strengthening early warning systems, and ensuring rapid responses to emerging threats. He further stated that the government must conduct a prompt, independent, and effective investigation into the harm caused by the attack to ensure accountability, provide necessary assistance to the families of the deceased and the victims, and take immediate measures to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes, as well as compensate and rehabilitate victims.
The EHRC is finalizing a systematic investigation into the root causes of attacks committed at various times across several woredas in the Southeast Oromia Zone of the Oromia region, and will publish the investigation report upon completion. Furthermore, the Commission is conducting monitoring and investigating into attacks carried out in Gambella, woredas bordering the Oromia and Somali regions, and across various areas of the Amhara region, as well as allegations of human rights violations committed in connection with the conflict in the Tigray region.