Ethiopians flee border gunfire into Kenya
Over 36,000 people, mostly women and children, have crossed into Kenya seeking refuge from fighting.
Gunfire was heard from the Ethiopian side of the border in Kenya’s Moyale town on Friday morning as more people fled violence. An Associated Press journalist recorded the sounds on October 30.
The United Nations reported that 36,000 people have crossed into Kenya due to ongoing fighting near Moyale, with most fleeing civilians being women and children. Benedict Munywoki, deputy county commissioner for Moyale Sub-County, stated that more people are arriving daily.
The fighting stems from a territorial dispute between the Oromia and Somali regional administrations, reportedly aggravated by the killing of a 13-year-old girl. Local leaders in Kenya’s Marsabit County have requested support, concerned about overwhelming existing food and water shortages.
Why it mattersLocal leaders in Kenya's Marsabit County are concerned that the influx of refugees could overwhelm communities already struggling with food and water shortages.