24 February 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) has declared a period of prayer following the brutal killing of four monks at the Zequala Monastery, located approximately 50 kilometers from the capital Addis Ababa.
His Holiness Abune Mathias, head of the EOTC, condemned the act, calling it “very dangerous” and expressing his deep sorrow for the loss of the innocent religious figures.
The four monks were reportedly abducted from the monastery earlier this week and subsequently killed by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), a radical ethnic Oromo nationalist group.
The monastic community at Zequala has been engaged in a hunger strike since the incident, demanding a dignified burial for their slain brothers.
The OLA has been accused of targeting the EOTC in the Oromia region, with hundreds of thousands of Orthodox Christians reportedly killed and numerous churches burned down over the past five years.
The group’s motives remain unclear, but members of the monastic community allege they are being pressured to leave the region.
The OLA is also linked to widespread violence in the Oromia region, including kidnappings for ransom.
The Oromia regional government has confirmed the killings, while the Ethiopian federal government has yet to comment on the situation.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed claimed to have done more for the Ethiopian Church than any other leader, sparking criticism in light of the recent attacks.
The EOTC’s call for prayer reflects the deep pain and concern within the religious community over the ongoing violence in Ethiopia. The international community has urged all parties involved in the conflict to engage in peaceful dialogue and respect the fundamental rights of all citizens, including freedom of religion.
