Daily Archives: July 6, 2026
INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: SYSTEMATIC PERSECUTION OF OROMO PEOPLE IN ETHIOPIA
By an Investigative Reporter in Finfinne
Executive Summary
This report documents systematic human rights violations against Oromo people across Ethiopia’s Oromia region, based on extensive testimonies, government reports, and international documentation. The evidence reveals a pattern of state-sponsored persecution targeting Oromo individuals based on their ethnic identity and perceived political affiliations, creating conditions that meet international definitions of persecution under refugee and asylum law.
The Scale of the Crisis
In Oromia, harm and brutality targeting Oromo children based on their identity and political perceptions are widespread and escalating. Oromo children living in areas where the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) operates—including Western Oromia, Wellegga, Shambu, West Shewa, North Shewa, Karrayyoo, Guji, Arsi, and Eastern Oromia—face multifaceted forms of persecution.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), in its 2025 annual report covering June 2024 to June 2025, documented extensive violations of fundamental rights across Oromia, including extrajudicial killings, abductions, physical harm, and widespread destruction of property. Both government forces and the OLA have been implicated in these abuses.
Testimony: The Reality of Persecution
A young man from the Shambu area, who requested anonymity due to fear for his safety, described his ordeal to this reporter. While traveling from Shambu to Finfinne (Addis Ababa), he was stopped by security forces who demanded he present his identity documents.
“When they saw my ID showing Shambu, they arrested me. During detention, I endured severe beatings and torture. They accused me of coming to Finfinne to join the insurgency, despite my insistence that as an Oromo, I had no connection to armed groups. After two months of detention, they released me with a warning. Since then, I have been unable to freely move or speak about my origins. My family continues to be harassed by militia demanding to know my whereabouts and threatening to involve the WBO [an armed group].”
This account mirrors the experience of Mr. W, another Oromo asylum seeker who was arrested in June 2020 following protests after the killing of Oromo singer and civil rights activist Hachalu Hundessa. Soldiers interrogated him about being Oromo and accused him of being part of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) or Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)—groups he had never been involved with. He was jailed for three months, and after his release, soldiers monitored and chased him. In January 2021, he was jailed again for a month on similar accusations, with police interrogating and beating him daily. In 2023, the government jailed his parents and threatened to kill them unless he returned. His parents told him to flee.
The Koree Nageenyaa: A Secret Network of Persecution
A Reuters investigation uncovered the operations of the Koree Nageenyaa—or Security Committee—a clandestine group of senior officials in Oromia that has ordered extra-judicial killings and illegal detentions as part of efforts to crush the insurgency. Human rights sources indicate that this committee specifically targets young Oromo with modern hairstyles or appearances that allegedly signal opposition sympathies. Female Oromo face particular vulnerability to sexual violence by security forces. Young people have also reported being asked for bribes by security forces; those unable to pay face immediate detention.
Official Documentation of Systematic Abuses
The EHRC 2025 Report
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission’s 2025 annual report documented:
- Extrajudicial killings across multiple zones in Oromia
- Abductions and arbitrary detentions
- Physical harm and torture
- Widespread destruction of property
- Both government forces and the OLA implicated in abuses
United Nations Documentation
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported that conflict-related displacement persists in Oromia, with nearly 220,000 people displaced along the Oromia-Somali border. In July 2025, renewed inter-communal violence erupted along the Oromia–Somali border, displacing over 288,000 people.
Humanitarian Assessment
UNOCHA’s assessment found that in Oromia Region alone, an estimated 151,972 people are displaced across multiple districts. Displaced families are sheltering in makeshift shelters made of plastic sheets, clothing, and sticks, offering little protection from the elements. Women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities face heightened vulnerabilities, including fear of retaliation, gender-based violence, and psychological trauma.
Legal Framework for Persecution Claims
Under international law, as defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, persecution is defined as the act of harassing or oppressing a person or a group of people, especially because of their identity. Persecution includes unfair or abusive treatment toward a person or group based on race, religion, ethnicity, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
For an asylum claim, the following elements must be meticulously documented:
- Dates and locations of incidents
- Types of abuse suffered
- Names of perpetrators (if known)
- Medical records documenting injuries
- Witness statements
- Evidence of state involvement or failure to protect
Past persecution and fear of future persecution by government actors on account of political opinion and race form the core of the case.
Critical Findings for Asylum Assessment
Political Opinion
Many Oromo asylum seekers are targeted not because of what they have done, but because of what they are perceived to believe. Simply being Oromo can be enough to attract suspicion. Political engagement—whether real or imagined—significantly increases the risk.
The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has documented cases where Oromo individuals faced persecution due to their political opinions. Even Oromo individuals who have never been involved with opposition groups can be targeted. Mr. W was arrested and beaten despite having no connection to the OLA or OLF. His only “crime” was being Oromo and being present at a protest.
Place of Origin and Residence
European courts have recognized that “the risk of persecution due to affiliation with OLA applied throughout Oromia, even in areas where there is no active armed conflict.” This is a critical point: an Oromo person cannot simply move to a “safer” part of Oromia and escape persecution. The threat follows them.
Risk of Persecution upon Return
For many Oromo asylum seekers, return to Ethiopia would expose them to:
- Continued targeting by security forces
- Inter-communal violence in their home areas
- The risk of being forcibly conscripted or accused of supporting armed groups
- The inability to relocate safely within Oromia
The Human Rights Situation: A Critical Assessment
The human rights situation in Oromia is described as “critical.” The Ethiopian government has intensified its crackdown on independent media and civil society ahead of elections slated for 2026. Security forces have arbitrarily detained healthcare workers, and humanitarian needs remain acute. The government restricts access to Oromia for journalists and rights groups, meaning much of the conflict and its human toll remains hidden from the world.
“Unfortunately, the human rights situation—as well as the overall humanitarian crisis in Oromia—is underreported,” said Getu Saketa Roro, co-founder of the Human Rights League of the Horn of Africa.
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has called for independent investigations into what it describes as “systematic terror, state-orchestrated brutality, and entrenched impunity.”
Conclusion
The documentation and testimony gathered in this investigation establish a consistent pattern of persecution against Oromo people in Ethiopia based on their ethnic identity and perceived political opinions. This persecution is perpetrated by state actors, including security forces and the clandestine Koree Nageenyaa, and has created a situation where Oromo individuals face well-founded fear of persecution throughout the Oromia region.
The legal and humanitarian frameworks, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission’s findings, and documentation by United Nations agencies, support the conclusion that Oromo asylum seekers from Ethiopia have legitimate claims based on a well-founded fear of persecution on account of their race, ethnicity, and political opinion.
This report is based on on-the-ground investigation, interviews with survivors, analysis of official government and UN reports, and review of international legal frameworks. Some names have been withheld to protect individuals who remain in danger.
The Enduring Wisdom of Gumaa: How an Indigenous Justice System Heals Communities and Prevents Revenge
For centuries, the Oromo people of Ethiopia have practised a unique system of restorative justice that focuses not on punishment, but on healing the social fabric. Known as “Gumaa,” this indigenous institution offers profound lessons for modern conflict resolution.
Across the diverse landscapes of Ethiopia, communities have long relied on traditional systems to resolve disputes and maintain social harmony. Among the most sophisticated of these is Gumaa, the Oromo institution for settling blood feuds. In a world where modern legal systems often leave victims feeling unheard and communities fractured, Gumaa stands as a powerful alternative—one that prioritises healing over punishment and peace over retribution.
“Gumaa is one of the multitude of Oromo indigenous institutions that has exclusively been used to settle blood feuds of various types” . As researcher Tamene Keneni explains, the term Gumaa carries multiple meanings, but at its core, it refers to the institution of settling blood feuds through compensation, cleansing rituals, and reconciliation .
Beyond Punishment: The Philosophy of Gumaa
The philosophy underpinning Gumaa is rooted in two fundamental Oromo values: Nagaa (peace) and Safuu (moral order). For the Oromo, peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but an essential key to an orderly universe and societal wellbeing that humans must actively pursue . This is reflected in daily greetings, songs, prayers, and proverbs—a recognition that peace is central to life itself.
Unlike the modern judicial system, which tends to focus on punishing the offender, Gumaa aims to restore relationships that have been ruptured by wrongdoing. As one study notes, the practice “prioritises restorative justice over retributive justice, targeting restoring the ruptured relations between the parties in dispute to maintain social order and peace rather than punishing the offender and compensating the victim” .
When a homicide occurs, both the clan of the killer and the clan of the victim take responsibility for resolving the dispute. The process involves neutral elders who serve as mediators, guiding the conflicting parties through a journey of acknowledgment, compensation, and ultimately, reconciliation .
The Ritual Journey: From Blood Feud to Brotherhood
The Gumaa process is far more than a simple transaction. It involves a series of deeply meaningful rituals designed to heal emotional wounds and prevent the cycle of revenge from continuing into the next generation.
The reconciliation process typically begins with the offender’s supplication or payment of Shimoto to the victim’s family . This is followed by elaborate purification ceremonies, including the slaughter of cattle, handwashing rituals, and oaths that carry profound spiritual significance . These rituals are not merely symbolic—they serve a psychological function, helping both parties to process grief, anger, and the desire for vengeance.
As Tamene Keneni describes, the Gumaa ritual includes cleansing ceremonies that allow the slayer to be reintegrated into the community . This is a crucial element of the system: the goal is not to permanently alienate the offender, but to bring them back into the fold, ensuring that the community remains whole.
The outcome can be transformative. In some cases, former enemies are united through marriage, turning hostility into kinship . This remarkable capacity to convert conflict into connection is what makes Gumaa so unique.
Lessons for the World: What Gumaa Teaches Us
The Gumaa system offers several valuable lessons for modern conflict resolution:
1. Justice Must Heal, Not Just Punish
Modern legal systems often leave communities fractured even after a verdict is delivered. Gumaa demonstrates that justice can also be about healing—acknowledging the pain of the victim’s family, giving them a voice, and ensuring that the offender takes genuine responsibility .
2. Community Involvement Strengthens Outcomes
In the Gumaa system, the entire community plays a role in resolving disputes. Elders, clan leaders, and even ordinary members are involved in the process, ensuring that the outcome is accepted and respected by all. This collective ownership makes the peace more sustainable .
3. Ritual and Symbolism Matter
The rituals of Gumaa—the handwashing, the oaths, the shared meals—help to create a sense of closure and renewal. They provide a tangible way for people to move forward, leaving behind the weight of the past .
4. Forgiveness Is a Choice Worth Making
The Oromo believe that forgiveness (oofuu or yaa hafuu) is a higher value than revenge . This is not naivety—it is a recognition that the alternative, endless cycles of vengeance, only brings more suffering.
A Call for Recognition and Integration
Despite its effectiveness, Gumaa faces significant challenges. Lack of awareness, limited documentation, and competition from the state justice system have contributed to its decline . Yet there is growing recognition that these indigenous institutions have immense value.
The Ethiopian Constitution, under Article 78(5), allows for the recognition of customary and religious courts, suggesting a pathway for integration . Scholars have called for the official recognition and revitalisation of Gumaa, arguing that it could complement the formal legal system, reduce court workloads, and offer a more accessible form of justice for rural communities .
As one researcher notes, Gumaa is “time effective, prevents revenge and financial saving” . Its ability to address deep-seated grievances at the community level could be a powerful tool for peacebuilding in Ethiopia and beyond.
A Tradition Worth Preserving
In a country that has experienced decades of political turmoil and ethnic conflict, the wisdom of Gumaa is more relevant than ever. It offers a proven, locally rooted approach to reconciliation—one that does not require expensive legal fees, lengthy court processes, or foreign intervention.
Gumaa reminds us that justice is not just about laws and punishment. It is about people, relationships, and the shared desire to live in peace. It is a testament to the resilience of indigenous knowledge and its capacity to address some of the most complex challenges of human existence.
“The ultimate goal of any type of nagaa is communal well-being in an orderly universe” . In a world that often seems fragmented, the Oromo people’s ancient wisdom offers a path toward wholeness.
The Gumaa system stands as a vital example of how indigenous knowledge can illuminate the path to a more just and peaceful future—one community at a time.
A Life of Faith and Legacy: Honouring Luba Shamsuddiin Abdoo
“Qulqulloonni ajaja Rabbii eegan, kanneen Yesuusii fiis amanamoo tahanii obsaan sabatan, kanaan beekaman.”
“Blessed are those who keep God’s commands, who are faithful to Jesus and patiently endure.”
A Farewell to a Spiritual Father
On a somber yet hopeful day, the Oromo Christian community and beyond came together to honour the passing of a remarkable servant of God—Luba Shamsuddiin Abdoo. His funeral service, held at Fairview Baptist Church in Calgary, Canada, was a testament to a life well-lived, a legacy of faith, and a homecoming to eternal rest.
The Oromo Bible Society (OBiS) expressed profound gratitude for the life and work of this dedicated servant. In their reflection, they wrote:
“Hojii Hiikkaa Macaafa Qulqulluu keessatti, hojii seena qabeessi isin hojjettan jiraataadha. Waldaan Macaafa Qulqulluu Oromoo galata guddaa isiniif qaba.”
“In the work of translating the Holy Scripture, you have done a historic work. The Oromo Bible Society has great gratitude for you.”
A Life of Service to the Word of God
Luba Shamsuddiin Abdoo was not just a translator—he was a bridge between the sacred text and the Oromo people. His work in Bible translation ensured that generations of Oromo Christians would have access to the Word of God in their own language, a gift that transcends time and geography.
The Oromo Bible Society honoured his contribution, remembering him as one of the key figures in the historic work of bringing the Scriptures to the Oromo people. In a message shared by HW Abdusalaam Ruduwaan, a close colleague, the depth of Luba Shamsuddiin’s impact is evident:
“Abbaa keenya nagayaan gara boqonnaa keetti gali.”
“Our father, rest in peace.”
A Legacy of Faith and Endurance
The life of Luba Shamsuddiin Abdoo was marked by faithfulness, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to his calling. His family, colleagues, and community remember him as a man who lived by the principles he preached.
As the scripture chosen for his farewell reminds us:
“Asii achi warri kan Gooftaa tahanoi du’an, eeybifamoo dha jedhii tii katabi! sagalee jettu takkaan samii keeysaa dhagaye. Ruuhal Qudusiis, ‘Eeyye, hojii isaanii isaan duukaa waan deemtuuf jecha, dadhabbii isaanii irraa haara ni galfatu’ jedha.” (Mul 14:12-13)
“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them.'”
These words capture the essence of Luba Shamsuddiin’s journey—a life of labour for the Kingdom, now at rest, with his deeds following him as a testimony to his faithfulness.
A Father’s Legacy
To his children, Luba Shamsuddiin Abdoo was more than a spiritual leader—he was a father, a mentor, and an example of unwavering faith. In a heartfelt tribute, one of his children expressed:
“Baabaa kiyya nagayaan boqadhu, bara jireenya kiyyaa hundumaa sin dagadhu, ati fakkeenya anaaf hin darbine, mallattoo cichoomaa fi mullata guddaa naaf taatee jirta, bara jireenya kiyyaa hundumaa sin irraanfadhu.”
“My father, rest in peace. I will never forget you all the days of my life. You have been an example for me that will not pass away—a sign of perseverance and great vision. I will never forget you all the days of my life.”
His children—Beeftu Abdo, Gorsitu Shamsudin Abdo, Ibsitu Shamsudin, Rebu Abdo, John Esaias, and others—carry forward the legacy of faith he instilled in them. The family was encouraged to remain strong in the Lord:
“Jajjabina Ruuhal Qus kennuu fi ayyaana Gooftaatiin jajjabaadhaa.”
“Be strengthened by the Spirit’s grace and the Lord’s blessing.”
A Call to Continue the Journey
As the Oromo Bible Society and the wider community mourn his loss, they also celebrate his life. The work he started—the translation of the Holy Scriptures, the teaching of God’s Word, and the building of faith—continues through those he inspired.
His close colleague, Evangelist Abduselam Redwan, reflected on the unfinished work:
“Akkuma hujiiwwan kanaan duraa akkuma fixnee ummataan geenye hujiiwwan hafanii fi imaanaa si fi Gooftaarraa taateen nutti darbite hundumaas niin xumura, kaayyoo fi mullata ati jiraatteef suniis niin humna Gooftaatiin niin milkeeysa.”
“Just as we have completed the works before us and reached the people, we will finish the remaining works, and the faith that you have passed on to us—we will complete it by the grace of God. The purpose and vision you lived for will be fulfilled by the power of the Lord.”
Honouring His Memory
The words of Hebrews 13:7 were a guiding verse for Luba Shamsuddiin’s life and a call for those who follow:
“Warra hooggantoota, kanneen Qoowlii Rabbii isin barsiisaa turan yaadadhaa! Haala jireenya isaanii laalaa, amantii isaanii duukaa bu’aa!”
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith!”
A Final Prayer
As the Oromo community in Canada, Ethiopia, and around the world mourns the loss of Luba Shamsuddiin Abdoo, they take comfort in the promise of eternal rest. His work, his faith, and his legacy live on in the hearts of those he touched.
“Abbaa keenya nagayaan gara boqonnaa keetti gali.”
“Our father, rest in peace.”
Luba Shamsuddiin Abdoo — A servant of God, a translator of Scripture, a father of faith, a legacy of love.
“Father, thank you for your life. We will continue your journey. We will keep the faith.”
A Night of Gratitude: Celebrating the Legacy of Oromo Parents
“Galgala haadhaa Abbaa kiyya, galgala ajaa’iba…”
“Thank you, my mother and father, thank you for this amazing evening…”
On a night that will be remembered for years to come, the Oromo community came together to honour the pillars of their families—the parents who sacrificed everything to give their children a future. The event, a celebration of resilience, love, and heritage, was a testament to the enduring spirit of a people who have carried their culture across oceans and generations.
A Celebration of Sacrifice and Love
In every culture, parents are the unsung heroes—the ones who work tirelessly, often in obscurity, to build a foundation for their children. For the Oromo community, this truth is magnified by the weight of displacement, the pain of exile, and the determination to preserve identity in a foreign land.
The recent celebration in honour of Oromo parents was more than a social gathering. It was a recognition of the countless nights of worry, the endless hours of labour, and the unshakeable faith that parents have placed in their children. It was a moment to pause, to reflect, and to say: “Galatoomaa”—Thank you.
As Aisha Oromia Ali, expressed in a heartfelt reflection:
“A night celebrating my parents, thank you to the organising committee, family, friends and our community for being a part of this memorable event and special thanks to ShaboMedia Oromiya for capturing the memories. Very proud of you all.”
The Organising Committee: Architects of Memory
Behind every great event is a team of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to bring a vision to life. The organising committee of this celebration poured their hearts into creating an evening that would honour the past while inspiring the future. From coordinating logistics to curating a program that reflected the richness of Oromo culture, their efforts did not go unnoticed.
As one attendee, Aisha’s gratitude extended to them:
“Warri koree, maatiifii hiriyoota akkasumas hawaasa bal’aa kan qooda baataniin galata gurguddaa hammana hin ja’amne qabadan, wayyoomaa.”
“The committee, family, and friends, and the wider community who participated—you have our deepest gratitude, which will never be forgotten.”
Their work ensured that the evening was not just an event, but a meaningful experience—a bridge between generations, a celebration of identity, and a reaffirmation of community bonds.
ShaboMedia Oromiya: Preserving the Moments
In the age of digital memory, the role of media in preserving cultural moments cannot be overstated. ShaboMedia Oromiya, the official media partner for the event, captured the essence of the evening with professionalism and heart. Their cameras documented the smiles, the tears, the embraces, and the speeches—creating a visual legacy that will be cherished for generations.
Aisha acknowledged their contribution with warmth:
“Shabboo media iilleen galata addaa qaban.”
“ShaboMedia also deserves special thanks.”
Through their lens, the celebration was immortalised—ensuring that the memories of this night will be shared with those who could not attend and with future generations who will look back and see the love and pride of their ancestors.
The Power of Community
At its heart, the evening was a celebration of community—of the bonds that tie the Oromo people together, no matter where they are in the world. In a diaspora scattered across continents, events like these serve as anchors, reminding everyone of who they are and where they come from.
The attendance of family, friends, and community members reflected the collective commitment to preserving Oromo culture and honouring the sacrifices of the past. The support of the wider community was deeply appreciated:
“…kan qooda baataniin galata gurguddaa hammana hin ja’amne qabadan…”
“…you who participated, you have our deepest gratitude, which will never be forgotten.”
A Message to Parents: Your Legacy Lives On
For the parents who were honoured that night, the message was clear: We see you. We appreciate you. We will carry your legacy forward.
The title of the celebration, “Galgala haadhaa Abbaa kiyya” (Thank you, my mother and father), is more than a phrase—it is a declaration of love, respect, and commitment. It acknowledges the sleepless nights, the sacrifices made, and the dreams that parents hold for their children.
For Oromo parents, many of whom have endured displacement, exile, and the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a new land, this recognition is deeply meaningful. It is a reminder that their efforts have not been in vain—that their children see them, honour them, and will continue the traditions they have passed down.
Looking Forward: Continuing the Legacy
While the evening was a celebration, it was also a call to action. It reminded the younger generation of their responsibility to carry forward the culture, language, and values of their parents. It encouraged them to build bridges between generations, to preserve the stories of their ancestors, and to ensure that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten.
As the night came to a close, the sense of gratitude and unity lingered in the air. The words of Aisha resonated deeply:
“Very proud of you all.”
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
The celebration of Oromo parents was more than an event—it was a testament to the resilience of a people, the love of a community, and the enduring power of gratitude. It was a night of laughter, tears, and reflection—a night that honoured the past while inspiring the future.
To the organising committee, to ShaboMedia Oromiya, to the parents, and to the community: thank you. Your efforts created a memory that will last a lifetime, a memory that will be passed down through generations.
“Galatoomaa haadhaa Abbaa kiyya…”
“Thank you, my mother and father…”
May the legacy of Oromo parents continue to inspire and guide the community for generations to come.
Advocacy for Oromia 