Ethiopia: Ola Warns Extractive Firms in Oromia, Points to Tulu Kapi Attack As Consequence of Non-Compliance

What the report says

The Oromo Liberation Army has issued a warning to foreign and domestic extractive companies operating in Oromia, saying projects should not move ahead unless local communities are involved in decision-making and directly share in the benefits. In an “urgent notice of requirement,” the group said firms must hold transparent talks with residents and put in place environmental safeguards it described as mandatory.

The statement pointed to the recent violence at the Tulu Kapi gold project in western Oromia as a warning of what can happen when its conditions are not met. According to Addis Standard, a deadly security incident there on 4 September led KEFI Gold and Copper to suspend development work. The UK-listed company said several security personnel and community members were killed, including one employee, though it has not provided additional details because the matter remains sensitive.

KEFI said it is working with community representatives, government authorities and security stakeholders on the conditions needed to restart operations safely. The company also said it would manage spending carefully during the pause and delay further use of project financing until the situation is assessed.

Tulu Kapi has been presented as a major mining investment in Ethiopia, with construction and preparatory work underway in West Wollega Zone ahead of a target of first gold production in mid-2028. The latest warning underscores broader tensions around resource projects in Oromia, where community relations, land issues and security concerns have often shaped the pace of development.