FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AGAEZI NATIONAL UNION (ANU) STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE MASSACRE OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS AND THE DESTRUCTION OF HISTORIC CHURCHES IN EAST ARSI
Date: 03 June 2026, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
The Agaezi National Union (ANU), guided by the principles of the Geez Civilizational Political Framework, expresses its profound sorrow, outrage, and condemnation regarding reports of a large-scale attack against Orthodox Christian communities in Asako Woreda, East Arsi Zone, Oromia Region.
According to reports received from local residents and media sources, at least 37 Orthodox Christian believers have been killed, more than 234 homes have been burned, and two historic Orthodox churches have been destroyed or severely damaged in a series of attacks that began on Ginbot 23, 2018 E.C. The reported attacks have affected several communities, including areas surrounding Teleta Gabriel Church and Kufte Medhane Alem Church, resulting in death, displacement, destruction of property, and immense human suffering.
ANU considers attacks against civilians, places of worship, and religious communities to be grave violations of fundamental human rights and a direct assault on Ethiopia’s historic religious heritage and civilizational identity. The burning of churches that have served as centers of faith, culture, education, and social cohesion for generations constitutes an attack not only on believers but also on the collective historical memory of the Ethiopian peoples.
The Geez Civilization, which has for centuries promoted coexistence, human dignity, justice, religious tolerance, and communal harmony, rejects all forms of violence carried out on the basis of faith, ethnicity, or political identity. The reported targeting of Orthodox Christian communities is deeply alarming and threatens the social fabric of the country.
ANU calls upon the Federal Government of Ethiopia, regional authorities, security institutions, religious leaders, and international human rights organizations to take urgent action to:
- Immediately stop ongoing attacks against civilians and religious communities.
- Protect vulnerable populations and provide humanitarian assistance to displaced families.
- Conduct an independent, transparent, and credible investigation into the killings, destruction of property, and attacks on places of worship.
- Identify and prosecute all perpetrators, organizers, and accomplices in accordance with the law.
- Ensure accountability for any officials who failed to protect citizens despite their constitutional and legal responsibilities.
- Facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their homes and communities.
- Support the reconstruction of destroyed churches, homes, and community infrastructure.
ANU is particularly concerned by reports that many residents have been forced to flee into forests and remote areas in search of safety. No citizen should be compelled to abandon their home because of violence, religious persecution, or insecurity.
THE MASSACRE OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS
The continued recurrence of such incidents raises serious concerns regarding the protection of religious freedom, the rule of law, and the security of Ethiopian citizens. Lasting peace cannot be achieved through silence, impunity, or selective justice. Sustainable peace requires accountability, equal protection under the law, and respect for the dignity and rights of every individual and community.
ANU extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, to the Ethiopian Orthodox faithful affected by these attacks, and to all communities suffering from violence and displacement.
The Agaezi National Union reaffirms its commitment to the preservation of Geez civilization, the protection of human dignity, religious freedom, justice, peace, and the defense of Ethiopia’s historical and cultural heritage.
May the victims rest in eternal peace, and may justice prevail.
ANU Global Supreme Leadership
