WCC News: WCC condemns drone attack in Ethiopia

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep concern and sorrow over the tragic loss of civilian lives resulting from a recent drone strike in the town of Gedeb, Amhara region, Ethiopia.  Micha town in Oromia, Ethiopia. Dust and smoke fills the air, as night fires are dying out, lit by people who sleep on the streets. Photo: Albin Hillert/LWF 25 April 2025 On 23 April, more than 100 civilians, including women and children, are reported to have been killed while gathered at a primary school for community activities. “This atrocity adds to a growing list of similar incidents in recent months, including another devastating drone strike in 2024 that targeted civilians,” said Pillay. “The World Council of Churches condemns in the strongest possible terms such attacks on civilian-populated areas.”  Pillay also expressed concern over the increasing use of autonomous or semi-autonomous armed drones in conflict settings, without strict adherence to international humanitarian law and safeguards to protect non-combatants. “The situation raises deep moral and ethical questions,” he said. “We call on all parties to the ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia to respect international humanitarian law, to refrain from attacks on civilians and civilian communities, and to commit to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” Pillay also urged national and international stakeholders to pursue inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution as the only sustainable path to justice and peace. “We call on the churches and religious communities in Ethiopia to commit to be voices for justice, reconciliation, peace, and unity,” he said. “The World Council of Churches stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, and extends heartfelt condolences to all who are grieving.” World Council of Churches statement on drone attack in Gedeb, Ethiopia See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland