About 50,000 flee to Kenya as Ethiopia border dispute turns violent

Violence has erupted over a territorial dispute in Ethiopia, forcing thousands of people from their homes. Around 50,000 people have so far taken refuge in neighbouring Kenya because of the conflict between the Oromia and Somali regions in southern Ethiopia.

Gunfire continues in areas close to the border, spreading fear among residents. The displacement has also put considerable pressure on Kenya's border area.

Tension has long persisted between the Oromia and Somali regional administrations over the border and administrative control around Ethiopia's Moyale town. A dispute arose on October 18 over the hoisting of the Somali regional administration's flag and the opening of a new administrative office. Matters then kept worsening. The fighting intensified from October 22. Clashes between regional security forces and armed civilians left several areas less secure.

Women and young children make up a large share of those who reached Kenya after fleeing for their lives. Many of the displaced are staying with relatives, while some have taken shelter in schools, churches and temporary shelter centres. Forced to leave home suddenly, they are short of grain, clothes and essential supplies. The health and nutrition of the children has also become a serious concern.

Relief work has begun for the displaced in Kenya's Moyale area. Efforts are under way to provide grain, clean drinking water, medical facilities and temporary shelter. But the growing number of people has posed a major challenge for the local administration and aid organisations. Gunfire and unstable conditions in the border area also limit the relief work. There are fears that if the conflict does not end soon, the humanitarian crisis in East Africa could deepen.