Ethiopia: Thousands flee to Kenya after deadly clashes

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

July 28, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethnic clashes in a remote part of southern Ethiopia, near the border with Kenya, have reportedly killed at least 18 people and injured 12.

The clashes between Borana and Garri clans in the Moyale area have forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.

The Kenyan Red Cross told the BBC that more than 20,000 people have crossed into Kenya as a result of the fighting.

The Ethiopian military had intervened to stop the fighting, however, the Red Cross said that people have continued crossing borders to Kenya.

The tribal clash, which broke out this week and continued until Friday, is believed to have been instigated over land rights.

Armed conflicts, mainly over land and water dispute, are common in this area. Every year there are similar reports of clashes between the two rival communities.

The Red Cross in Kenya says it is providing with food, water and tarpaulins to arrivals.

On the Kenyan side of Moyale, similar incidents are also common between the Borana and Gabra communities over water and land-grazing rights.

Earlier this year, more than 40,000 Kenyans fled to Ethiopia following deadly clashes between two warring tribes in northern Kenya.

(ST)