Gunfire heard across Ethiopia-Kenya border as 50,000 Ethiopians flee to Moyale, Kenya. UN appeals for $8.9M as humanitarian crisis deepens over Oromia-Somali dispute.
MOYALE, Kenya — Sporadic gunfire echoed across the Kenya-Ethiopia border Friday morning as thousands more Ethiopians fled into Kenya, pushing the number of displaced to 50,000, according to the United Nations.
An Associated Press journalist filming from the Kenyan side of Moyale town captured the sound of gunfire at 7:30 AM on October 30, marking the ninth consecutive day of cross-border tensions.
The crisis has prompted UN agencies to launch an urgent $8.9 million (Sh1.16 billion) appeal to support refugees over the next three months.
“We woke up to sounds of gunshots across the border,” said Malik Adan, Kenya Red Cross Upper Eastern Region head. “The biggest camp, which was relocated out of town, has about 5,000 people, mostly women and children.”
From 36,000 to 50,000 in 24 hours
The number of refugees jumped from 36,000 on Tuesday to 50,000 by Wednesday, according to UNHCR Representative in Kenya Fatima Mohammed-Cole. Humanitarian workers expect the number to reach 80,000 if fighting continues.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the Government of Kenya and partners are planning a response covering up to 80,000 people.
Cargo trucks remain stranded on both sides of the border, with trade paralyzed since October 22.
Root Cause: A Flag and a 13-Year-Old Girl
According to conflict monitor ACLED, the latest fighting traces back to October 18, when the Somali regional administration attempted to open an office and raise its flag in a disputed part of Ethiopian Moyale.
The town is divided between Oromia and Somali regional administrations. The dispute is rooted in a longstanding boundary conflict between the Borana (Oromo) and Garre (Somali) communities, said ACLED senior analyst Jalale Getachew Birru.
A 13-year-old Oromo girl was killed in the initial confrontation, triggering retaliatory clashes.
ACLED said fighting appeared to have subsided Wednesday, but tensions remain high.
Security Concerns in Kenya
Kenyan police reported last week that a woman was wounded in the neck by a stray bullet in Moyale town. Police did not identify the source of the shot.
Deputy County Commissioner for Moyale Sub-County Benedict Munywoki said security has been heightened on the Kenyan side, with police patrolling refugee camps.
UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF and Kenya Red Cross are providing medical care, food and shelter.
