May 2026: Ethiopian Patriarch Urges End to Violence in Oromia Region

In early May 2026, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s highest leader, His Holiness Abune Mathias I, issued a solemn appeal to end a series of violent attacks that have intensified in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. The incidents have taken place across the East Arsi Zone, an agricultural area about 165‑175 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa. The violence, which escalated in October of the previous year and surged in February, has left a growing number of Orthodox Christians injured, killed, and displaced.

The most recent flare‑up began on 30 May in Teleta Gebriel, a remote area of the Aseko District. Armed assailants moved to nearby towns, burning churches, looting property, and burning villages. Reports indicate that a 101‑year‑old Telata St. Gabriel church was destroyed and that several other churches were looted. Conflicting figures place the death toll at between 37 and 40 people, with hundreds more displaced from their homes.

His Holiness Abune Mathias I, who also serves as Archbishop of Axum, lamented that the violence is a direct violation of religious freedom. He stated, “The freedom of religion was violated on that day when a century‑old Orthodox church was burned and two others were looted. Many faithful believers were unjustly killed, and hundreds of our people were displaced from their homes. This is a deeply sorrowful event that has caused immense grief to our church.”

To counter the hostility, the patriarch has called for all Ethiopians, particularly Christians, to unite and pray for the victims. He urged protective measures from the Ethiopian government, citing the obligation to guard the security and rights of its citizens. Archbishop Melchizedek of the Gurage Diocese echoed this, stating, “The government must not ignore the repeated, horrific, and systematic attacks against Christians in Arsi. We urge decisive government action to uphold the right to life of Orthodox Christians and their clergy.”

The violence has followed a pattern since as early as March 2025, when a market and a church in the region were stormed, killing almost thirty believers. In October 2025, a further attack killed more than thirty Orthodox Christians. The attacks appear to target Orthodox believers specifically, with no similar incidents reported among the predominantly Muslim population of the Oromia zone.

Relief efforts are ongoing. Churches in the region are working to provide shelter, food, and psychological support for displaced families. The West Country Churches have been advocating for prayer and support from congregants worldwide. The “Arise Africa” petition campaign encourages supporters to call for justice and show solidarity with the victims.

In summary, the calls from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church emphasize the urgency of protecting religious freedom, delivering humanitarian aid, and urging the government to bring perpetrators to justice. The community’s resilience amid escalating violence showcases the faith and solidarity of practitioners who continue to pray and seek peace in the midst of conflict.