Ethiopian-American groups lobby for action following Arsi attacks

Ethiopian-American civil organizations are lobbying the U.S. government and the international community for urgent action following reports of attacks on Orthodox Christians in the Arsi zone of the Oromia region. According to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, at least 60 people have been killed in recent incidents.

Human rights advocates Mesfin Mekonnen and Dr. Mekonnen Doyamo announced that the issue will be a primary agenda item at a conference in Washington D.C. on December 11. Representatives from the U.S. State Department, the African Union, the United Nations, and various human rights groups are expected to participate. Meanwhile, Oromia regional officials stated that they are working to restore the rule of law and rehabilitate affected communities in the Shurka district.