FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Melbourne – 22 August 2026 – The Advocacy for Oromia (A4O) today issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing and escalating violence against civilians in Western Oromia (Wallagga), warning that the situation has reached an alarming level and demanding immediate action to protect vulnerable communities.

Recent attacks have reportedly intensified, with civilians in the Giddaa Ayyaanaa and Angar Guutee areas bearing the brunt of the violence. According to local accounts, families are being forcibly displaced from their homes, while others have lost their lives while traveling or in their own residences, creating a pervasive climate of fear and instability across the region.

While many attacks have been attributed to the Fano armed group, A4O also expressed grave concern over allegations implicating state actors. The organization highlighted the Ethiopian government’s apparent failure to adequately protect affected communities, stating that these serious allegations necessitate independent and transparent investigations to establish facts, ensure accountability, and bring perpetrators of abuses to justice.

“Western Oromia is a region of profound political and social significance, and this continued violence threatens not only the immediate security of residents but also the broader stability of the region,” a spokesperson for A4O stated. “The resulting displacement and destruction have severe humanitarian consequences that require an urgent global response.”

In response to the crisis, A4O is issuing a Call to Action, urging community members, advocates, civil society organizations, faith leaders, youth, women, and the diaspora to break their silence. The organization insists that “silence is not an option” in the face of such suffering and calls for:

• Strengthened advocacy and documentation of human rights violations.
• Immediate humanitarian assistance for displaced families.
• Local, national, and international awareness campaigns.
• Unity and collective action to amplify victims’ voices and advance justice.

Furthermore, A4O is calling on international institutions, humanitarian organizations, and global human rights bodies to closely monitor the situation in Western Oromia and take concrete steps to prevent further atrocities.

“We must not remain silent,” the statement concludes. “The lives, dignity, and security of innocent civilians depend on immediate attention and action. We stand in solidarity with all victims of violence and their families and demand lasting peace, justice, and respect for human rights in the region.”

About Advocacy for Oromia (A4O):
The Advocacy for Oromia is a civil society organization dedicated to promoting human rights, justice, and democratic governance for the people of Oromia. A4O works to amplify the voices of the Oromo people and advocate for peaceful solutions to conflicts affecting the region.

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