23 February 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Four monks were killed and one injured by gunmen in an attack on the Zzkala Debre Kozor Abune Gebre Holy Ghost Monastery in Ethiopia’s Oromia Region, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church announced.
The church identified the slain monks as Abatekelmariam Asrat, Abakidane Maryam Tilahun, Abagebre Maryam Abebe, and Hailemariam Woldesenbt.
A fifth monk, Abba Kidanmariam Gebre Sunbat, was injured and remains at the monastery.
The church blames the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), also known as “Shene,” for the attack, which occurred on February 14th. The OLA has denied involvement.
This latest attack comes amid a surge in violence against religious institutions in Ethiopia.
In December 2023, nine worshippers were killed by gunmen in West Oromia, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church itself has been targeted on multiple occasions.
The church has called on federal and state security forces to intervene and protect the monastery from further attacks.
The Zzkala Debre Kozor Abune Gebre Holy Ghost Monastery is an ancient and historical site in Ethiopia.
The OLA is an armed group fighting for the self-determination of the Oromo people. The Ethiopian government considers them a terrorist organization.
Violence against religious institutions has been on the rise in Ethiopia in recent months
