AUTHOR: Kenza
Ethiopian troops in Oromia are perpetrating sexual violence with impunity. Amnesty International has documented multiple instances of sexual violence against women and girls.
Context
Ever since the non-international armed conflict in 2019, the Oromia region of Ethiopia has
been torn apart by armed conflict between the federal government and the Oromo Liberation
Army (OLA). The civilian population of the Oromia region of Ethiopia has been facing a
number of International human rights violations, especially Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
(CRSV) at the hands of armed actors. Several women and girls experienced rape and other
forms of sexual violence, such as gang rape and sexual slavery.
Yet, Western media have never given sufficient attention to this conflict nor the atrocities
committed specifically against women and girls. A briefing released by Amnesty
International on 6 March 2026: “ No One Came to My Rescue: Gang Rape, Sexual Slavery
and Mass Displacement of Women in Oromia, Ethiopia” has finally shed light on the current
situation in the region for the first time with documented survivor testimony.
Their bravery and strength in speaking out about what they endured is an inspiration to
women and young girls everywhere. We hear you, we see you, and we stand with you.
What the Briefing Documents
Amnesty International conducted the research in the areas of Sayo, Anfillo, and Kellem
Wallaga amid the conflict. Among other things, these are the stronghold areas of the OLA
forces. Amnesty International interviewed 10 victims, seven of whom were underage at the
time of the sexual assaults.
Moreover, of the 10 survivors interviewed, five victims were subjected to both gang rape and
sexual slavery. While nine had been sexually assaulted by OLA soldiers, only one endured
violence from both federal government fighters and OLA. Two of the survivors became
pregnant as a result of the sexual abuse they were subject to by the OLA military forces.
The report emphasized that especially women and girls who had husbands or male relatives
in government forces were explicitly targeted as reprisals by the OLA fighters. The survivors
generally described attacks lasting days or even weeks, carried out by the said armed actors in
rotation. As argued by Tigere Chagutah, these “repeated abuses are not only horrific but may
amount to war crimes” .
“ They used to rape us every day, twice a day. Around 11am and 6pm. They used to tell me, ‘You will die. You will never return home ”
-Sebontu, survivor (age 12). Amnesty International, March 2026
“ For three weeks, they were raping me and my child ”
– Lalistu, survivor. Amnesty International, March 2026
Despite severe physical trauma, most survivors feared seeking medical care, including
abortion. Because they feared the stigma attached to sexual violence in their communities. In
the report, Amnesty International concluded that all the 10 victims subsequently experienced
sexual and reproductive health issues.
A Pattern of Impunity that Must End
Amnesty International documented stories that are part of a deliberate, systematic pattern
where women and girls are weaponised as instruments of war, while perpetrators continue to
act with impunity. For years, the conflict has continued, with women and girls suffering
immensely. Yet, the international community has looked away.
There has only been silence over the many Ethiopian women and girls who endured heinous
crimes. Just silence.
When sexual violence amid conflict is not acknowledged or prosecuted, it enables more
violence and abuse. To the international community, this is your moment to act with UN
agencies and regional bodies. You must press for independent monitoring, fund survivors’
services, and make clear to all parties involved in this conflict that sexual violence is a war
crime. And as such, it will not be met with indifference.
Sources:
Amnesty International. (2026, March 6). Ethiopia: Authorities must investigate sexual
violence, summarykillings and torture by OLA fighters. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/03/ethiopia-authorities-must-investigate-sexual-violence-summary-killings-and-torture-by-ola-fighters/
Amnesty International. (2026, March 6). Ethiopia: “No One Came To My Rescue”: Gang
rape, sexual slavery, and mass displacement of women in Oromia, Ethiopia – Amnesty
International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr25/0774/2026/en/
Amnesty International (2026, March 5) Report. https://www.amnestyusa.org/reports/no-one-came-to-my-rescue-gang-rape-sexual-slavery-and-mass-displacement-of-women-in-oromia-ethiopia/