Ethiopia: Ongoing Violence

               At least one Christian has been killed in western Ethiopia in widespread violence resulting from a rumor that a Christian tore a page from a Quran. More than 4,000 Christians have also been displaced after Islamic extremists burned 59 churches and 28 homes in Asendabo, Jimma Zone, beginning Wednesday, March 2.

“The atrocity is still going on, and more people are suffering,” a source told Compass Direct News. VOM contacts said local police stood by and watched the violence until federal police arrived.

“The church requested more police protection,” a pastor in Addis Ababa told Compass. “The authorities sent security forces, but they were overwhelmed by the attackers.” International Christian Concern reported on March 9 that the government had sent military troops to quell the uprising and that officials had arrested several Muslims suspected of attacking Christians.

Rioters destroyed 38 Ethiopian Kale Hiwot Church (EKHC) buildings, 12 Mekane Yesus facilities, six Seventh-day Adventist buildings, two Muluwongel church structures and the building of a “Jesus Only” congregation. They also set fire to an EKHC Bible school and two church office buildings.

The man who died is believed to be a member of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The government has been blocking access to the area, and information is difficult to verify.

Although Ethiopia is a predominantly Christian nation, Christians in Muslim areas, including Jimma Zone, are said to suffer mistreatment and discrimination. A VOM contact said Christians in the area are subject to ongoing harassment from Muslims who want to “protect their religion from the Christians.” The VOM contact requests prayer for two Christian workers in the area who minister to more than 5,000 Christian converts from Islam.

(Sources: VOM Sources, Compass Direct News, ICC)