60 Orthodox Christians killed in Oromia as WHO chief warns of collapsing health systems

The World Health Organization’s director-general said Monday that fresh attacks in northern Ethiopia have pushed the region’s medical infrastructure to the brink of failure. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that hospitals in the area are short of staff, medicine, and equipment, while limited ambulance services and ongoing insecurity block the transport of patients and supplies.

Recent fighting has effectively broken the peace agreement signed in November 2022 between the federal government and rebel forces in the Tigray region. In the Jaari 2 displacement camp in Amhara, children were reportedly killed, including a newborn. In the nearby town of Rama in Tigray, several people died while attempting to obtain food. The WHO chief did not provide specific casualty totals, dates, or names of perpetrators for these incidents, though he stated that drone strikes and civilian losses are becoming common across the country.

Tedros, an ethnic Tigrayan who served as Ethiopia’s foreign and health minister, has faced accusations of political bias from the government. In January 2022, authorities claimed he used his role to advance political interests. He has since acknowledged his regional ties but maintained that his current comments are impartial. The government currently contends with armed opposition in the Amhara and Oromia regions as well.

In Oromia, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church reported that at least 60 Christians were killed in separate attacks. U.S. Ambassador Ervin J. Massinga condemned the targeted killings in the Arsi zone on Saturday, urging for an investigation. He stated that such attacks against any group must stop, according to a post by the U.S. Embassy on social media.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed posted on social media that government leaders were receiving military training at Hurso in the east of the country. He said the exercises improved discipline, leadership, and readiness. Images shared online showed Abiy in khaki attire alongside participants performing pushups and group drills.

The Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, a coalition formed in September, released a video statement approving plans to strengthen cooperation among its seven members. The group includes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Oromo Liberation Army, and the Ogaden National Liberation Front. The alliance accused the ruling Prosperity Party of causing conflict and poverty, calling for an inclusive political transition to replace the current administration.

The UN and WHO agencies are currently working to deliver additional supplies to the affected areas. Tedros emphasized that civilians must be protected and that health workers need safe passage to reach those in need.