A Summary Report
13 September 2026
On Hamle 14, 2018 EC (21 July 2026 GC) the Rephi Lola paramilitary forces, unofficial armed group based in East Guji Zone of the Oromia Regional State sponsored by the brutal Oromia prosperity party regime, waged an unprovoked conflict against the Sidama people in Girja district killing 12 innocent civilians. This followed a similar conflict waged by Oromia security forces in Gubo Hema and Chirre districts boarding East Guji Zone barely two months earlier on Ginbot 10, 2018 EC (18 May 2026 GC) in which a dozen civilians were massacred.
In a Joint Press Statement, issued on 25 May 2026, the Sidama National Liberation Front (SNLF) and Sidama Human Rights Council (SHRC), strongly condemned the May 2026 violent conflict between the border communities of the Sidama National Regional State and the East Guji Zone of the Oromia National Regional State, which was sponsored by the Oromia prosperity party government.
The first conflict that took place on Ginbot 10, 2018 EC (18 May 2026 GC) raged for 5 days claiming the lives of dozens of civilians, and resulting in destruction of properties including houses and staple food, enset cultivation and other crops, jeopardising the already fragile food security situation in the region. Dozens of civilians have been seriously injured in the attack. The conflict also led to the displacement of over 2000 Sidama civilians from their homes, mostly women and children from the boarder districts of Chirre, Horooreessa, as violence spread to more neighbouring districts.
The list of the 12 victims of the second attack which took place in Girja district of Sidama Regional State on Hamle 14, 2018 EC (21 July 2026 GC) is as follows:
- Jaldessa Dangisso, Age 60, Qebele, Laga Lola, a veteran of Sidama Liberation Movement (SLM) 1978–1984-armed struggle against the then military regime.
- Futuro Gassa, Age 56, Qebele, Weelle Magaado
- Lalima Addisu, Age 60, Qebele, Weelle Magaado
- Shimala Tumaato, Age 40, Qebelle Weelle Magaado
- Laja Lanqaamo, Age 50, Qebele, Weelle Magaado
- Sunbaso Yankara, Age 45, Qebele, Weelle Magaado
- Messele Melkamu, Age 44, Qebele Weelle Magaado
- Galalcha Garo, Age 47, Qebele, Weelle Magaado
- Shaammana Simano, Age 43, Qebele, Weelle Magado
- Shumato Borsamo, Age 47, Qebele, Laga Lola
- Sajin Tadele, Age 40, Qebele, Bansa Daye town
- Abraham Wusi, Age 47, Qebele Oddi Boko.
At least 50 other civilians were wounded, some seriously, and were taken to nearby health facilities for treatment and rehabilitation.
The loss of over 20 Sidama civilians in the span of two months in May and July 2026 due to senseless state sponsored violence is painful. This violent conflict between the two fraternal communities that have historical, cultural and linguistic ties and lived side by side in peace and harmony for centuries bore all the hallmarks of a planned operation by the brutal prosperity party regime that thrives by igniting conflicts between the various nations and peoples of the country. Since this fascist regime took power over eight years ago, the Sidama nation had witnessed the worst forms of violence in its history with over 260 civilian lives lost thus far.
To break this cycle of violence, massacres, genocide and deprivation of peoples’ basic human and democratic rights and the rights to socioeconomic development and freedom from poverty, the oppressed Ethiopian nations, nationalities and peoples should unite to put an end to the brutal prosperity party regime. The prosperity party, led by the schizophrenic dictator Abiy Ahmed has committed and continues to commit genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity on most nations in the country and can never be reformed. The party and its other genocidal institutions including the security forces must be dismantled by the allied oppressed Ethiopian forces.
Victory to all oppressed nations in Ethiopia
Sidama Crisis Monitor
September 2026
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