The Oromia region has been grappling with intense conflict for the past six years, with violence erupting between the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and government forces.
Despite attempts at peace through two rounds of negotiations, the conflict continues to severely impact local populations, especially in the Guji and West Guji zones, where communities face relentless violence and displacement.
Severe human rights abuses are widespread in the region, ranging from extrajudicial killings to sexual violence, mass detentions, and property destruction. The crisis worsened in early 2023, when the government’s decision to reorganize administrative boundaries by creating the East Borana zone out of parts of Guji, Bale, and Borana zones, triggered mass protests that were harshly suppressed.
A recent report from the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) documents the extent of these violations. It highlights how both government forces and OLA militants are involved in continuous cycles of violence, seemingly prioritizing political goals over the safety of local people.
Stories of Suffering Amid Conflict
One of the many affected by the conflict is 18-year-old Dureti Jirma, who has twice been a victim of assault. In December 2021, she was attacked by government forces while walking home in Goro Dola, part of the newly established East Borana zone. After nearly a year away from her studies to recover, she returned to school, only to be attacked again in July 2024, this time by OLA fighters. “I thought I was moving on, but it happened again,” she shared, feeling trapped by the ongoing violence.
Sexual violence has become alarmingly common, with health professionals in the area reporting multiple cases over the past year, affecting women, children, and even mothers. Harkalo Hospital staff has confirmed that they have treated at least 13 rape victims, involving both government soldiers and OLA members.
Another resident, Jarso Wako, a university lecturer from West Guji, was arbitrarily detained in July 2024. After being falsely accused of inciting unrest, he was held in harsh conditions for over two months, despite court orders for his release. Such detentions are part of a broader pattern where civilians, especially the youth, are caught up in the violent power struggle.
Entire Communities at Risk
The conflict has devastated entire communities in the Guji and West Guji zones. Farmers like Dube Jirma have experienced repeated violence, with both government forces and OLA fighters raiding homes, destroying property, and subjecting civilians to harassment. Dube, whose home was set ablaze during a military operation, faces a difficult decision: to stay in a dangerous area or flee to another town for safety. “There’s no way to escape being caught in the middle of this fight,” Dube explained, voicing the fears of many in his village.
Local communities are living in fear, often shifting between control by government forces and OLA militants, with no clear path to stability or safety. Civilians are stuck in the middle of a fight that neither side seems willing to end.
The Urgent Need for Peace and Justice
Merga Fikadu, a human rights researcher from Wolkite University, has been documenting these abuses and stresses the need for accountability. He emphasizes that government forces must take responsibility for protecting civilians and that those responsible for human rights violations need to face justice.
According to Merga, peace talks remain the only viable solution to ending the violence. He urges the government to actively engage in negotiations, and for the international community and civil society to play a role in supporting these efforts. “For true peace to emerge, the voices of victims must be heard and acknowledged in any peace process,” Merga concluded.
With the conflict in Oromia continuing to escalate, there is an urgent need for a resolution that prioritizes human rights and the protection of civilians. The lives of thousands remain at risk until all parties commit to genuine dialogue and accountability.