Christians Targeted in Violent Outbreaks

The Oromia region of Ethiopia is in the midst of turmoil as separatists spread dissent against the government. The murder of prominent singer Hachalu Hundessa on June 29th set off the civil unrest, leaving hundreds dead.

During the third week of August, a violent outbreak took place in a predominantly Muslim village of Senbete Sinkile. In the attack, which was perpetrated by a youth wing of separatists known as the Qeerroo, it appears that Christians in particular were targeted. While there were no fatalities resulting from this attack, a number of people were injured and damages were done to a church and the homes of various Christians in the village. A number of victims were forced to flee, despite flood conditions, seeking refuge in the mainly Christian city of Awassa.

Back in the month of June, the town of Shashamene had also faced terrible violence and destruction at the hands of the Qeerroo. The homes of two pastors were burned to the ground and anything not burned was then vandalized. One of the pastors, Mesfin, said that the imam from the nearby mosque stood by and laughed as his house was being burned. This pastor's motorcycle was also completely destroyed by the attackers.

The wives of the two pastors owned small businesses to supplement their families' modest incomes; those buildings were set on fire as well. VOMC partners have been able to provide financial assistance to these pastors' families, equipping them to continue ministering to the needs of others in their village. For more on the difficulties facing Christians in Ethiopia, go to our country report.

Pray for each person who was victimized by these recent incidents of violence, asking for God's comforting presence to be tangibly sensed in their lives. In the process, may they also receive needed healing of the trauma and devastating loss that resulted from the attacks. Pray that those who were forced to flee their homes will experience God's wonderful provision and restoration. Overall, may His Spirit of peace come to the region -- and into the hearts of individuals -- so differences can be resolved and a sense of unity be established in these Ethiopian communities.