Ethiopia’s Crisis: Human Rights Violations in Oromia
The 10 April report from the Oromia Support Group is shocking. Among unprecedented levels of human rights violations, it documents increasing persecution of Oromo youth, the Qeerroo generation which propelled Abiy Ahmed to power, with page after page of documented killings.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s security forces – the ENDF, regional police forces and poorly trained militia – are taking punitive measures against Oromo civilians, killing young and old, destroying homes and looting livestock to deter the population from supporting the Oromo Liberation Army.
Report 69 includes information about areas which usually receive little attention such as the zones of Guji and West Guji. But nowhere in Oromia Region is safe or secure.
Ordinary people in urban and rural settings are suffering unsustainable levels of taxation and abuse. Farmers are made to sell their grain to the government at prices below market value. Villagers are forced at gunpoint to provide their children as conscripts, to pay taxes and fees for construction, and to arm and sustain the federal army and militia at district and kebele levels. Undisciplined militia live off the populace, demanding money and goods in addition to spurious fees for party membership, uniforms, ammunition and ‘health insurance.’
Lawlessness and a dog-eat-dog mentality pervades rural Ethiopia. Villagers and townsfolk in areas adjacent to Amhara Region, especially Horo Guduru and East Wallega, but also zones of Showa and within the Oromia Special Zone in Amhara Region, are also subjected to group killings and looting by Fano militants, originally from Amhara Region but now operating from bases in Oromia.
The ideology of Fano ‘to make Amhara great again’ denies history and portrays the Prosperity Party regime as an ‘Oromo government’ to justify its acts of ethnic cleansing in Oromia Region. Meanwhile, the populace in Amhara Region suffers attacks and reprisal killings from ENDF and Fano forces in the zero-sum game of absolute domination which has bedevilled the Ethiopian empire since its formation.
The current instability and mayhem is unsustainable. Ethiopia’s survival as a state depends on a negotiated peace between the government, Amhara and Oromo forces.
Dr Trevor Trueman, Chair, Oromia Support Group, 10 April 2025.
Global Commemoration of Oromo Martyrs’ Day – April 15, 2025
“Honoring the Fallen, Renewing the Struggle for Oromia’s Liberation”
We extend a heartfelt invitation to Oromo communities, allies, and justice advocates worldwide to join us in observing Oromo Martyrs’ Day on April 15, 2025. This solemn day commemorates the sacrifices of Oromo heroes who laid down their lives for freedom, justice, and the liberation of Oromia.
Why April 15? The Legacy of the Shinnigga Martyrs
On April 15, 1980, eleven leaders of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) were executed in Shinnigga, Somalia, while on a diplomatic mission to secure international support for the Oromo struggle. Their refusal to divide along religious lines—declaring “We are Oromos first!”—cost them their lives but cemented their legacy of unity and resistance.
Since 1984, April 15 has been observed globally as:
- A day of remembrance for all Oromo martyrs.
- A day of recommitment to the unfinished struggle for Oromia’s liberation.
How to Participate in the 2025 Commemoration
1. Memorial Ceremonies (In-Person & Virtual)
- Time: 1:00 PM (Local Time Worldwide)
- Program Highlights:
- Memorial Service: Honor martyrs with prayers (weedduu), songs (geerarsa), and candlelight vigils.
- Speeches: Leaders and elders will discuss:
- The history of Oromo Martyrs’ Day.
- The current state of the Oromo struggle (e.g., OLF’s Oath Campaign, political prisoners, forced conscription).
- Q&A Session: Open dialogue on strategies to advance Oromo liberation.
2. Global Events
- Oromia (Underground): Secret gatherings at symbolic sites (rivers, mountains).
- Diaspora (Public):
- Minneapolis, USA: Community vigil at the Oromo Community Center.
- Melbourne, Australia: Panel discussion with exiled Oromo activists.
- Berlin, Germany: Film screening (“The Blood of Shinnigga”).
- Virtual Participation: Livestreams via varies Oromia Media (OM) and social media (#OromoMartyrsDay2025).
3. Advocacy Actions
- Demand Justice: Petition the UN to investigate the 1980 Shinnigga massacre and ongoing abuses in Oromia.
- Support Prisoners: Write letters to Oromo political detainees.
- Amplify Voices: Share martyrs’ stories using #OromoMartyrsDay2025.
Saluting the Martyrs: Their Legacy Lives On
This day is not only about grief—it is about action. We honor:
- The Shinnigga 11 (April 15, 1980) and Gidamii 9 (December 23, 1981, poisoned).
- Haacaaluu Hundeessaa (2020), Irreecha Massacre victims (2016), and thousands unnamed.
- Recent OLA fighters fallen in the Shinnigga Oath Campaign.
Their blood cries: “Qabsoon itti fufa!” (“The struggle continues!”).
Join Us in the Fight for Oromia’s Future
- Attend: Find local events at OromoLiberationFront.org.
- Donate: Support Oromo political prisoners and OLF’s humanitarian efforts.
- Educate: Teach the next generation about Oromo martyrs.
“Ammas akkuma bishaan fincaa’aa ol kaana!
(Like the ever-flowing river, we rise again!)“
Contact:
- Email: MartyrsDay@OLF.org
- Social Media: #OromoMartyrsDay2025
Qabsoon itti fufa!
Oromia Shall Be Free!
Oromedia 