Inter-Religious Council Rules Out Religious or Ethnic Motives in Arsi Attacks
TPLF Chairman Accuses Federal Government of Blocking AU Mediation
Inter-Religious Council Rules Out Religious or Ethnic Motives in Arsi Attacks
The Ethiopian Inter-Religious Council said the recent attacks in Arsi zone, Oromia region, were not driven by religion or ethnicity. According to the Council, an investigation conducted from November 4–9, 2025, in Guna, Merti, Sherka, and Holonqo Wabe districts confirmed incidents of killings, abductions, and property destruction but found that the victims were targeted indiscriminately. The Council said the perpetrators were unidentified armed individuals and urged the government to strengthen civilian protection in the affected areas.
Orthodox Church Followers Killed in East Arsi Arson Attack
Three followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, including a child and a deacon, were killed in an arson attack in East Arsi zone, Oromia region, on November 10, 2025. Reports indicate that young people suspected of sharing information about the killings were later detained and taken to unknown locations. The incident came shortly after the release of the Inter-Religious Council’s preliminary report on earlier killings in the zone. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has described the attacks as religiously motivated and targeted against its followers.
Fincha Sugar Factory Attacked Again in Oromia
Armed militants have destroyed machines, vehicles, and property belonging to the state-owned Fincha Sugar Factory in Horo Guduru zone, Oromia region, on November 9, 2025. Equipment worth 35 million birr and three vehicles valued at 12 million birr each were destroyed in the assault. The factory, which previously suspended operations due to repeated militant attacks, suffered similar incidents in June 2025, when production facilities and sugarcane plantations were burned.
Public Institutions Closed Amid Salary Protests in East Borana
Public institutions, including schools and administrative offices, were closed across several districts of East Borana zone, Oromia region, as teachers and civil servants protested delayed salary payments for September and October 2025. In Arero Gorro district, widespread demonstrations on November 10, 2025, brought local government activities to a halt, Wazema has learned. The Oromia regional government created the new zone last year, triggering continued protests over the decision. Zonal officials were unreachable for comment.
TPLF Chairman Accuses Federal Government of Blocking AU Mediation
Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael has accused the Federal Government of blocking efforts by African Union (AU) mediators to convene discussions on implementing the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). Debretsion said both the TPLF and AU mediators have repeatedly sought a meeting, but the government declined to participate. Earlier, Debretsion accused the federal authorities of launching a drone strike on Tigray security forces on November 6, causing unspecified casualties.
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