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Ethiopia

• 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.

• Christians Targeted in Violent Outbreaks (Sample)

  

  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.

• Church Destroyed and Believers Beaten

  

  On March 13th, a church in the town of Jeru in northern Ethiopia was burned to the ground. During the attack, believers were severely beaten and expelled from their homes by fellow villagers. Those responsible were members of the Ethiopian Orthodox church.

  While it may seem unusual for Christians to face opposition from others who claim to follow Christ, this is not unusual in Ethiopia. The dominant religions of the nation are Islam in the south and the traditional Orthodox church in the north. Those who are not members of either group frequently face strong opposition from neighbours and family members who consider them apostates.

• Evangelical Church Not Allowed

  

  Authorities in the town of Debarq (also spelled Debark) have told an evangelical fellowship group that they are no longer permitted to meet. The town, which consists of 25,000 citizens, is considered holy by members of the dominant Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and religious leaders have put on pressure to prevent any other religious group from being established. Another church was burned in 2008 and, over time, most evangelical believers have moved to the city of Gondar, located about 80 kilometres to the south.

• Church Ordered to Vacate

  

  Despite meeting in the same location for ten years, a church in central Ethiopia has been ordered to vacate, citing noise violations. Members of the Mekane Yesus Evangelical Church in the town of Robe were told by state authorities that neighbours have complained about the noise and that the building was not suitable for worship services. They also claimed that those attending were not from the local area.

• Report on Church Attacks

  

  Earlier this month, we reported on a devastating attack on the churches of Alaba Kulito, a town located in southern Ethiopia (see this report). Following the attack, a support representative travelled to the community on February 21st to gain more details and determine what could be done to provide necessary assistance.

• Two Injured in Arson Church Attacks

  The town of Alaba Kulito in southern Ethiopia was the scene of a horrific attack against Christians on February 9th. According to a VOMC source, at least 13 churches were burned -- some completely destroyed -- along with other church-owned property. While there were no fatalities, two church workers were admitted to hospital. Both have since been released after receiving needed medical treatment. For more photos of the devastation resulting from the attack, go to this report.

• Agents Hunt Christians After Preacher's Visit

  

  When a peace agreement was reached between Eritrea and Ethiopia, hopes were high that the new-found peace could also lead to a relaxation of human rights violations and religious oppression in Eritrea. On July 18th, the first flight from Ethiopia to Asmara in more than 20 years arrived with Pentecostal evangelist Surafiel Demssie as one of the passengers.

  Upon arriving in the capital city, Pastor Surafiel held an informal evangelistic street meeting. He left shortly after and that was when police moved in. At last report, five people were arrested and others have gone into hiding. One of them, believed to be the host of the meeting, was arrested at the airport.

• Ethiopian Attacked for Evangelizing

  

  On July 16th, while alone in his home, an Ethiopian Christian was attacked by a group of local Muslim militants with machetes. As a result, the 27-year-old man suffered deep wounds to the back of his head and required life-saving surgery.

• Proposed Law Restricts Christian Activities

  According to reports, Ethiopia's northern Tigray State is currently exploring the possibilities of adopting a new law that would limit Christian activities to within official church compounds. It is believed that non-orthodox Christians would be the most greatly affected as the new law would make it compulsory for churches seeking its own property to have a minimum of 6,000 members.

  Ironically, this number happens to be greater than the total population of non-Orthodox Christians in Tigray State. Furthermore, it is reported that the new law would curb any evangelizing from taking place outside church compounds. Recently, a similar law was implemented in the neighbouring Amhara State to the detriment of its Christian community.

  Pray that God will divinely intercept the progress of the proposed new law so that it will not be implemented in the Tigray State. In fact, throughout the deliberation process, may there be a tremendous awareness of God's presence -- impressing upon the state's lawmakers and others of political influence that any new legislation contrary to the spirit of religious freedom should not be passed. We also pray for the believers of Amhara State that they would be spiritually strengthened and emboldened to serve as powerful witnesses in their communities.