Deadly clashes have reportedly erupted between Oromo and Somali communities in parts of Ethiopia’s Oromia Region, leaving several people dead and raising concerns over civilian safety, APA can report on Thursday.
The fighting has mainly been taking place in Moyale, a border town after Somali communities had raised their regional flag in the town, Borana Zone, Oromia Region, followed by the killing of a 13-year-old girl on October 18.
Reports indicate that Jamuq and other areas of Moyale District have been affected, with buildings allegedly torched and civilian property looted.
The clashes have now escalated into sustained fighting, with security forces from the Oromia and Somali regions exchanging heavy gunfire and on Thursday the fighting spread to several locations, including Malab, Chamuk, Bole, Kebele 01, and Waqo Dogo localities in South Oromia, local residents told APA.
The residents said attempts by Somali Regional State special forces to raise a flag, along with the killing of 13-year-old Diqqoo Jaataan Aagga and unverified rumors of assassination attempt against a city official on Tuesday evening as factors that contributed to the escalation.
A Moyale town official on the Oromia side also said that fighting broke out at dawn in several locations, claiming it as “a war declared on our people early in the morning by forces who have recently been making various provocations.”
Somali residents said that the flag dispute was central to the conflict.
Residents on both sides said the fighting, which began around 5:30 a.m., appeared to ease around lunchtime but continued as of the time this report was compiled.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Ethiopians have fled into Kenya following fighting in Moyale, Kenya Red Cross and local government officials said on Thursday.
MG/as/APA