Moyale on edge: Thousands flee into Kenya as clashes in Ethiopia intensify

By  David Muchui

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

Tension is high in Moyale town following an influx of refugees fleeing into Kenya as fighting intensifies between Somali and Oromia forces on the Ethiopian side.

The conflict between Ethiopia’s Region Four and Region Five forces and law enforcement officers has entered its fourth day, with Moyale residents reporting intense gunfire.

On Friday morning, fighting was reported in Moyale and Hudhat districts.

Residents who spoke to the Nation by phone said thousands of women and children had crossed into Kenya, seeking refuge with relatives or sheltering in the streets and public spaces.

Hundreds of refugees have been housed at Manyatta Madrassa in Heillu Manyatta Ward.

Mr Ali Abdullahi, a resident, said the gun battle was raging about five kilometres from Moyale, Kenya.

“On Thursday, stray bullets hit some people and buildings on the Kenyan side. Several Kenyans have been injured, and we are afraid that the fighting may drag on,” Mr Abdullahi said.

Businessman Ali Mumin said some businesses, including banks, had closed because of the conflict.

“Tension is high, and businesses have been hit hard. We are also affected because we mostly rely on trade from Ethiopia here in Moyale, Kenya. So far, thousands of refugees have occupied spaces in Moyale town,” Mr Mumin said.

On Thursday, Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande said security agencies were closely monitoring the situation to avert a spillover of the conflict.

“We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. I appeal to humanitarian organisations and peace-building stakeholders to come in and offer support now that Ethiopians are fleeing into Kenya,” Mr Kamande said.

In a statement, Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Ahmed Idris said the organisation had begun responding to the humanitarian needs of families who had sought refuge in Kenya.

He said the Kenya Red Cross was initially targeting 1,000 households.

“Many have arrived with very few belongings and urgently need shelter, food, water and health care. KRCS teams on the ground, working with the County Government of Marsabit, national authorities and partners, have begun setting up temporary shelter and distributing tents and essential household items, including blankets, sleeping mats, jerrycans and kitchen sets. To protect the nutrition of young children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, KRCS is also providing Super Cereal, a fortified porridge flour. Our teams are also providing first aid to those in need,” he stated.

He said KRCS was also restoring family links to help families separated by the conflict reconnect.

“Our priority is to make sure every family arriving in Moyale is safe, sheltered and treated with dignity. Our volunteers and staff are on the ground and will continue to respond as needs evolve,” Dr Idris said.

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