36 killed in tribal clashes in southern Ethiopia

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

May 14, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — A continued Conflict among Konso and Borena tribes in a remote area in Southern part of Ethiopia has left 36 people dead and over 5,000 residents displaced.

The conflict erupted after Borena tribes, who have been raising the question of territory, open attacks over Konso Communities.

“Among the dead 35 of them belong to Konso tribes” Areke Geyto Administrator of Konso District told local reporters.

Both tribes have long been engaging themselves in conflict over territory, water resources and cattle grazing land ownership.

Tensions still remain high, and conflicts could further be aggravated if retaliation measures are taken from the Konso ethnic communities.

“The displaced people which number over 5,000 are temporarily sheltered in 4 ‘kebelles’ local areas namely at Aba-Roba , Kashale, Nalaya Segen and Gesergo” Areke added.

According to reports collected from the area Administrator of Borena district, AbdelKedir Abdinur has left for Konso district for talks with local officials and clan leaders in resolving the continued conflict.

(ST)