Ethiopia: Ethnic Violence Kills 21, Wounds 61

Local Editor

Heavy fighting between ethnic groups in southern Ethiopia claimed the lives of at least 21 people and wounded 61, the country’s state news agency reported on Saturday, amid escalating violence that has sent hundreds fleeing across the border to neighboring Kenya.

Outbreaks of violence in the south between the Oromo and other groups escalated since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed - the first leader from the Oromo ethnic group in Ethiopia’s modern history - came to office in March.

Fighting broke out between Somalis and Oromos in Moyale, a town bordering Kenya, on Thursday and Friday, the Ethiopia News Agency cited Suraw Mohammed, deputy spokesman of Somalia Regional State as saying.

He said some of the displaced fled to Kenya, while those who stayed in Ethiopia were receiving humanitarian aid.

The two groups were engaged in prolonged conflict which has however intensified in recent months.

Early this year at least 5,000 Ethiopians were forced to seek refuge in Kenya after several civilians were killed in what the Ethiopian military said was a botched security operation targeting militants in the country’s south.

“People have been killed, business premises bombed and torched, houses have also been set ablaze in the fight between Oromo and Somali Garre fighters,” said Wario Sora, a human rights activist from Moyale on the Kenyan side.

Patrick Mumali, Moyale sub-county deputy commissioner, confirmed late on Friday that hundreds of Ethiopians crossed the border to Kenya.

Meanwhile, an internal UN report dated Dec. 13 and reviewed by Reuters also confirmed the fighting, with heavy artillery being used, and said there was likelihood the conflict could spill over into Kenya.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team