Source: www.MNNonline.org
Date: November 4, 2026
Ethiopia (MNN) — Attacks in central Ethiopia last month killed at least 60 Christians from Ethiopian Orthodox communities.
A local official blamed a new alliance of rebel groups, but it remains unclear who carried out the attacks.
Whoever was behind the killings, Floyd Brobbel with Voice of the Martyrs Canada says the motive may have been political rather than religious.
A portrait of an Ethiopian Orthodox man in Ethiopia. (Photo courtesy of IMB)
“Often one of the ways that [rebel] groups like this advance their cause is to create regional instability. So attacking churches, for example, will cause a certain amount of chaos,” Brobbel says. “I would say that this would not be a case of outright persecution. That’s not clear because the motives of the group have not been clearly identified.”
As an example of strategic destruction, Brobbel points to Boko Haram’s activities in northern Nigeria.
“[Rebel groups] look for institutions that are creating stability within the region — educational institutions, religious institutions, other mission groups, possibly, or other government agencies,” says Brobbel.
“When Boko Haram had attacked, they weren’t just attacking Christians or groups; they were attacking other groups. They would attack UN offices. They would attack government offices to create that area of instability.”
One of the rebel groups in northern Nigeria is the Oromo Liberation Army. Their name has come up in previous attacks in the Oromia region of Ethiopia, where the October killings took place. (See a brief report from ACLED on the escalation of violence targeting Orthodox Christian civilians in one zone of Ethiopia here.)
However, Brobbel is careful to clarify, “They [OLA fighters] are not like an ISIS group or Boko Haram group that are attacking the Christians because they are anti-Christians,” he says. “They are not a religious group. I’m sure different members have religious affiliations, but they seem to be more political. They are seeking for Oromo — which is a large people group or tribe in Ethiopia — they’re looking for the right to self-determination.”
A crowded market place in northern Ethiopia (photo courtesy of Lesly Derksen via Unsplash)
Authorities have arrested dozens of people after the killings in central Ethiopia. But even if those responsible are brought to justice, families still face deep grief.
“Whether we call it persecution or not, then, they need our prayers, right? Pray that they would sense the comfort of God with them in the midst of this uncertainty,” says Brobbel.
Pray that Christians will continue to show God’s love and truth in their communities.
Renewed fighting between government forces and rebel groups is again shaking northern Ethiopia. Ask God to bring peace and stability.
Header image is a stock photo courtesy of Liz Martin via Unsplash.