Ethiopian minister notes ethnic conflicts not yet fully resolved

ADDIS ABABA, May 20, 2004 (The Reporter) — Federal Affairs Minister Mr Abay Tsehaye has said that the conflicts that had erupted in Somali [southeastern], Afar [northeastern] and Oromiya [western] regions had not been fully resolved.

While briefing the House of Federation on Friday [presumably 14 May], Mr Abay said that ethnic conflicts and occasionally anti-peace activities are being witnessed in six out of the nine zones in Somali region. He said the regional administration failed to make firm and committed efforts to contain the ethnic conflicts and resolve them. He also said the efforts made so far towards these end had not come up with any positive results.

The minister said last year Afar region had clashed with its neighbouring regions – Amhara [Northwestern], Oromiya and Somali. However, he said at present the said clashes have calmed down with the exception of the occasional clashes that erupts with Somali region.

He said unless the situation is changed for a lasting development using good governance, clashes could erupt any time. He said recently there was some clashes around Awash [northeastern] and measures have been taken to contain it temporarily.