Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-02-26 08:26:55
The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has issued a statement demanding an independent and impartial investigation into the recent murder of four priests from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC) at the Ziquala Abune Gabre Menfes Kidus Monastery in the Oromia Region. The incident took place in the East Shewa Zone, approximately 30 km southwest of Bishoftu city.
The EOTC confirmed the tragic deaths of the four priests following an attack on the monastery by armed militants on February 20. The priests were reportedly kidnapped during the assault. The OLF strongly condemns all forms of violence against innocent civilians and emphasizes the need to denounce human rights violations targeting various groups in society.
The OLF also criticized the government for failing to effectively protect its citizens and highlighted the importance of holding those responsible for such heinous crimes accountable through transparent and unbiased investigations. Furthermore, the OLF urged the EOTC to reassess its role as a moral and religious authority in the country, calling for a non-partisan stance during times of conflict.
In response to the killings, the OLF reiterated its call for an independent inquiry, urging both the Oromia regional government and the federal government to facilitate a thorough investigation without resorting to scapegoating. The organization advocated for the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) to cooperate in the investigation process. Additionally, the OLF stressed the importance of religious institutions maintaining neutrality in political and power struggles.
The Oromia peace and security bureau announced that they are actively pursuing the perpetrators in collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies. They urged local residents to assist in apprehending the suspects while committing to keeping the public informed about the progress of their law enforcement efforts against the armed group.
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