The regional government accuses rebel group OLA of the attack, but OLA itself denies involvement. It is one of the deadliest attacks of its kind in the recent history of Ethiopia, where ethnic tensions have been rising for some time.
OLA was founded to enforce more autonomy and self-determination for the Oromo people in Ethiopia. The federal government is now marking the rebel group as a terrorist organization after OLA formed an alliance with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). That has been fighting a very bloody battle with government forces in the Tigray region since 2020.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission appointed by the federal government on Sunday called on the same government to find a “lasting solution” and ensure that it protects its people from attacks.