Amnesty International Reports Severe Violence by Oromo Liberation Army Against Women, Children in Ethiopia

Amnesty International Reports Severe Violence by Oromo Liberation Army Against Women, Children in Ethiopia
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Amnesty International has documented widespread violence, including executions, rape, sexual slavery, and attacks on civilians, carried out by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in the Oromia region of Ethiopia.

The rights group warned that these acts may constitute war crimes and serious violations of human rights. The findings are detailed in a new report titled “No One Came to Save Us,” which provides extensive evidence of atrocities committed against civilians, with women and children disproportionately affected.

According to the report, the incidents occurred mainly in the Sayyo and Anfilo areas. Survivors described being subjected to gang rape, forced confinement, and sexual slavery lasting days to weeks, with some cases resulting in unwanted pregnancies.

Amnesty International emphasized that such acts could be classified as war crimes under international humanitarian law and called for independent investigations and accountability for perpetrators.

The conflict between the OLA and Ethiopian government forces began in 2019 and has continued despite diplomatic efforts. Reports indicate that millions of civilians have been displaced or exposed to severe humanitarian crises as a result of the ongoing violence, particularly women and children.

Human rights experts warn that continued attacks could have significant social, security, and humanitarian consequences. They stress that the international community must ensure impartial investigations, hold those responsible accountable, and provide support for survivors to prevent further atrocities.