By CISA
ADDIS ABABA, March 16, 2026 (CISA)– The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) has strongly condemned recent killings and acts of violence against civilians in different parts of the country, particularly in the Arsi Zone, while expressing deep sorrow for the loss of life.
In a statement issued on March 9 and signed by Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa and President of the Conference, the bishops said they were “deeply saddened by the heinous and inhumane killings and property destruction targeting innocent people in different areas of our country, and especially the recurring brutality in the Arsi Zone.”
The bishops stressed the moral and spiritual gravity of the attacks, noting that the deliberate taking of human life violates the sacred dignity bestowed upon every person.
“This deliberate act of extinguishing human life is a grave sin before God and a complete disregard for the sacred dignity given to every human being created in the image of God,” the statement read in part.
The bishops added that violence against defenseless people cannot be justified under any circumstance.
“Such violence against defenseless people cannot be justified by any religious teachings, culture, or political reasons,” the statement said.
The Conference called on authorities to take decisive action to restore peace and ensure the safety of citizens.
“Our Church strongly condemns this inhumane act. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety and security of citizens, the Church calls on the government to take all necessary measures to maintain the rule of law,” the bishops said.
In a gesture of ecumenical solidarity, the bishops expressed particular concern for members of the Orthodox Christian community who were among those targeted in the attacks. They reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, and all people of goodwill to condemn violence and promote peace.
Amid rising tensions in parts of the country, the bishops urged Ethiopians to resist hatred and division.
“We urge all Ethiopians not to allow these tragic events to create hatred and division in our society,” the prelates said.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia is also grappling with a natural disaster in the south of the country. Media reports indicate that at least 64 people have died following landslides and flooding in the Gamo Zone after heavy rains.
According to the South Ethiopia Regional State Police Commission, 128 people remain missing following the floods.
“The number of people missing due to the recent flood in Gamo Zone has reached 128, and according to the latest information, 64 bodies have been found,” the police commission said in a statement.
Local officials said many victims were found buried in mud after landslides triggered by torrential rainfall. Rescue teams were able to pull at least one person alive from the debris during ongoing rescue operations.
Mudslides and floods are common in Ethiopia during the rainy season. In July 2024, more than 250 people were killed in southern Ethiopia after heavy rains triggered a massive mudslide.
