U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed profound concern following the tragic killing of Bate Urgessa, a prominent leader of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). Urgessa was discovered shot dead on the roadside in his hometown of Meki, located in the Oromia Region.

“The senseless killing of Bate Urgessa on Tuesday night is deeply disturbing and distressing,” stated Senator Cardin. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family as they grapple with this devastating loss. I call upon Ethiopian authorities to permit an impartial and credible international body to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bate’s untimely death.”

Bate Urgessa, 41, was known for his outspoken criticism of the government and had faced multiple incarcerations in the past. According to family members, individuals resembling government security forces forcibly removed him from his hotel room on Tuesday night.

While the Oromia regional government denied involvement of security forces in Urgessa’s abduction and subsequent killing, questions persist regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.