The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has committed sexual violence, torture, and killings against civilians in Ethiopia's Oromia region that may constitute war crimes, according to a new Amnesty International report released this week.

The human rights organization documented abuses occurring between 2020 and 2024 in the Sayo and Anfillo districts of Kellem Wallaga zone. Amnesty interviewed 10 survivors of gang rape, seven of whom were under 18 at the time of assault. Five survivors were subjected to sexual slavery, and two became pregnant as a result of the violence.

"These repeated abuses are not only horrific but may amount to war crimes," said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International's Regional Director. "Silence only leads to civilian suffering."

The report details rape lasting days to weeks, forced detention, and killings of male relatives including husbands who attempted to protect their families. Women with family members in government forces faced particular targeting in what appeared to be reprisal attacks.

But this report must be read in context. Ethiopia's multiple conflicts have seen all armed groups accused of civilian abuses. Government forces, regional militias, and various insurgent groups have faced credible allegations of atrocities. The OLA's documented crimes are part of a broader pattern of civilian protection failures across the country.

Dr. Mekonnen Firew, a conflict researcher at Addis Ababa University, emphasized this point. "Every armed actor in Ethiopia's conflicts has blood on their hands. Focusing on one group's crimes without acknowledging the systematic nature of abuse serves political agendas, not justice."