Regional

Clan war erupts in Ethiopia's Somali regional state, causing multiple casualties

Clan clashes have killed three and injured several others in Wardheer, Ethiopia's Somali region.

By Abdirahman Khalif | Thursday, July 4, 2024

The situation remains tense as the local community grapples with the aftermath.

In Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, the Wardheer district of the Dollo region is immersed in a clan war between two Somali clans.

The clashes, which have persisted for a week, have resulted in multiple casualties and left several others wounded. The situation remains tense as the local community grapples with the aftermath.

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Abdikhadir Rashid, the Minister of Information for the Somali Regional State, while speaking to BBC Amharic confirmed that security forces had intervened to calm the situation but did not provide details on the reasons behind the conflict.

"The conflict that took place resulted in the loss of three people's lives," he stated.

Ahmed Mohamed, the communications director of the Organization of Victims and Survivors, a human rights organization operating in the region, reported a slightly higher death toll.

He claimed that four people died in the conflict that occurred last week. There are discrepancies in the reported numbers of deaths, with the head of the regional communication office stating,

"The information I have is that three people have died; one person is dead and there could be four."

The Ogaden National Liberation Front condemned the clashes between the two communities in Wardheer last Tuesday. The group urged the government to intervene, separate the factions, and halt the violence immediately.

Ahmed Mohamed the Chairman of Wardheer noted that this is not the first conflict in the Dollo zone. He recalled a conflict over land claims in June last year, which resulted in the deaths of five people from the Ismail sub-tribe.

Ahmed explained that the recent clashes occurred between the sub-tribes of 'Ibrahim' and 'Ismail' under the 'Makahil' tribe. He also mentioned that in April this year, one person was killed in a shooting at a place called Garonka by Ismail members.

The latest conflict has led to the deaths of four people from the 'Ismail' tribe.

Despite the violence, the head of the regional communication office Abdikadir Rashid refrained from attributing blame to any particular tribe.

He acknowledged the frequent conflicts in the area, citing land claims as the underlying issue.

"The reason is a land issue, every clan claims to own that particular land, and the problem will be solved," said Abdikadir.

He called on the elders of the Somali region to intervene urgently and resolve the dispute between the parties involved. He also urged the Somali regional government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further violence.

Following the conflict, Abdikhadir Rashid stated that security forces had come and brought the situation under control. He also confirmed the presence of clan elders who are taking part in ending the conflict.