Several people have reportedly been injured and buildings set on fire after fresh clashes erupted in Moyale along the Kenya-Ethiopia border on Thursday, October 22.
The violence broke out in the Chamuq area following tensions between members of the Oromo and Somali communities over a disputed regional flag and the alleged killing of a 13-year-old girl.
Initial reports indicated that several businesses were torched as tensions escalated, raising fears of further violence in the border town.
The latest clashes come three days after the girl was shot dead during a dispute over the opening of an administrative office and the hoisting of a regional flag.
The circumstances surrounding her death remain disputed. Some residents have accused police of shooting her, while others claim she was caught in crossfire.
Dispute over regional flag sparks tension
The girl’s death triggered protests on the Ethiopian side of Moyale, with residents demanding justice and action over longstanding disagreements about the administration and ownership of contested areas.
As tensions grew, transport services between Moyale and Addis Ababa, as well as Moyale and Nairobi, were reportedly suspended on October 19 and 20.
Some businesses and schools in the affected areas also closed as the situation deteriorated.
On October 20, local elders and security officials reportedly reached an agreement to remove the Somali Regional State flag from the disputed administrative office.
While the flag was lowered on October 21, there were also protests against this decision from some Kebele residents, intensifying the situation.
On the next day, new violence was observed, with structures burning down and some injuries reported.
Risk of additional violence
The outbreak of violence raised fears that the conflict might also spread to other areas, where land disputes as well as administrative issues have caused repeated conflicts.
There were also deadly clashes in Moyale previously. In December 2018, 21 people died and 61 got injured, with about 5,000 people crossing the border to Kenya.
Insecurity has also affected movement in the wider region. The 350-kilometre Nagelle Borana-Moyale road has reportedly remained closed for more than two months, forcing some travellers to use alternative routes.
The latest clashes add to concerns over security and the impact of the dispute on residents, traders and travellers who depend on cross-border movement.
The circumstances surrounding Thursday’s violence, including the reported injuries and damage to buildings, were still emerging in the initial reports.
