The Global Waaqeffannaa Assembly’s statement highlights a deeply troubling incident of violence against adherents of the indigenous Waaqeffannaa faith in Oromia, Ethiopia. The reported killing of six worshippers and the destruction of a prayer center in East Hararge represent grave violations of religious freedom and human rights.

Summary of Events:

1. Fatal Attack on Worshippers: On June 8, 2025, at 2 PM local time, six members of the Waaqeffannaa faith were killed in Mogoro, Soddo Dachi, Oromia.
They were reportedly arrested by government security personnel from Aqaqi District while worshipping at the Malka Finchaha prayer center.
They were then taken to Mogoro and brutally killed.
Victims:
1. Gurmessa Teshome Hunde

2. Hundessa Nannessa

3. Dagaga Jidha Bati

4. Lammessa Maru Gojoli

5. Bashada Adi Midhaksa

6. Kuma Nagoo Jambo

2. Arson Attack on Prayer Center: Separately, a Waaqeffannaa prayer center in East Hararge was burned down. This attack was allegedly carried out by some locals while local security personnel watched without intervening.

3. Lack of Reporting: The Assembly states that no mainstream Ethiopian media or human rights organizations have reported on these incidents.

Assembly’s Position:

The Global Waaqeffannaa Assembly is deeply saddened and strongly condemns both the killings and the destruction of the prayer center.
They state these attacks are part of a pattern of repeated attack on Waaqeffannaa in Ethiopia for the last years.

The Assembly calls upon:

1. All religious organisations: To strongly condemn this barbaric act.
2. Oromo Community: To condemn the act and call for justice for the victims.
3. The Ethiopian Government: To bring the perpetrators to justice and to protect Waaqeffannaa members and property.
4. UNESCO and other UN organisations: To strongly condemn this barbaric act and to call upon the Ethiopian Government to investigate and bring the killers to justice.

Key Concerns Raised:

1. Extrajudicial killing of religious worshippers by state security forces.
2. Destruction of religious property with alleged state complicity (failure to intervene).
3. A pattern of violence and lack of protection for the Waaqeffannaa faith community in Ethiopia.
4. Lack of reporting and accountability within Ethiopia.
5. Demand for national and international condemnation and action to ensure justice and protection.

Calls to Action:

1. Accountability & Justice – The Ethiopian government must conduct an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the killings and arson, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
2. Protection of Minority Faiths – Waaqeffannaa, as an indigenous Oromo religion, has faced systemic marginalization. Authorities must actively safeguard its members and sacred sites from state and non-state violence.
3. Media & Human Rights Silence – The lack of coverage by Ethiopian media and human rights groups underscores a pattern of neglect toward attacks on non-Abrahamic faiths. International watchdogs (e.g., Amnesty International, HRW) should document this incident.
4. Solidarity from Oromo Communities & Religious Groups – Oromo political and cultural leaders, as well as interfaith organizations, must publicly denounce these acts to counter religious intolerance.
5. UNESCO & UN Engagement – The UN should pressure Ethiopia to uphold its obligations under international human rights law (e.g., ICCPR Article 18 on religious freedom).

Context:

Waaqeffannaa followers have long reported persecution, including land dispossession of sacred sites (e.g., Sof Omar) and forced conversions. The June 8 attack aligns with a broader trend of impunity for violence against Ethiopia’s indigenous religious minorities.

This tragedy demands urgent action to prevent further escalation. Solidarity from global civil society is critical to ensure justice and protection for Waaqeffannaa adherents.

Additional Statements:

The Assembly prays for the victims, their families, and friends.
The Global Waaqeffannaa Assembly pledges to contribute in all necessary capacity for bringing the perpetrators to justice and support the attacked Waaqeffannaa Assembly.

Issued By: Board of Directors, Global Waaqeffannaa Assembly
Location & Date: Bergen, Norway, 11.06.2025

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