Oromia Region Denies Reports Ordering Farmers to Purchase Weapons

The Oromia Regional State has dismissed reports claiming that regional authorities instructed farmers in conflict-prone zones to buy firearms and arm themselves. Speaking to Tikvah Ethiopia, the Head of the Oromia Communication Bureau, Hailu Adunya, described the circulating reports as false and irresponsible. The rumors had originally been broadcast by Wazema Radio and shared widely on social media, alleging that officials in zones like South West Shewa, West Shewa, North Shewa, and Kelam Welega told residents to purchase weapons with promises of quick permits. In response, Hailu Adunya reiterated that the state holds the sole authority over armed force and that no directive telling civilians to buy arms was ever issued. He clarified that government activities in these areas only involve standard legal processes to register previously unregistered firearms. Furthermore, he noted that local security is maintained through established militia structures recognized by the regional council, rather than by arming the general public.