Ethiopian gunfire heard as thousands flee into Kenya
Over 36,000 people have crossed into Kenya from Ethiopia due to ongoing fighting.
Gunfire was heard from Ethiopia into Kenya's town of Moyale on Friday morning as civilians fled violence. An Associated Press journalist recorded the sounds on October 30. The United Nations reported that 36,000 people had crossed into Kenya by Tuesday.
The influx of refugees, mostly women and children, is due to fighting near Moyale, according to the UN. Benedict Munywoki, deputy county commissioner for Moyale Sub-County, stated that more people are fleeing Ethiopia into Kenya. Aid agencies including the UN refugee agency, International Organization for Migration, and Kenya Red Cross are providing medical care, food, and shelter.
An Ethiopian doctor, Seifu Negash, who fled to Kenya, is volunteering with the Kenya Red Cross to treat refugees. The conflict on the Ethiopian side involves a territorial dispute between Oromia and Somali regional administrations, exacerbated by the killing of a 13-year-old girl. Local leaders in Kenya's Marsabit County are seeking support, concerned that the arrivals could strain resources amid existing food and water shortages.
Why it mattersEthiopians fleeing violence are seeking refuge and aid in Kenya, straining local resources.