MOYALE — Fresh clashes between forces from Ethiopia’s Oromia and Somali regional states have reportedly left a 13-year-old girl dead, disrupted business activities and forced hundreds of civilians to seek refuge across the border in neighboring Kenya.
According to reports attributed to journalist Yasin Juma, the violence erupted following tensions over the establishment of a new Somali Regional State administrative office and the raising of the region’s flag in Moyale town, located in the Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State.
The flag-raising ceremony, reportedly held on October 18, sparked opposition from local groups and heightened longstanding tensions over administrative authority and territorial boundaries between the two neighboring regional states.
Gunfire Erupts as Territorial Dispute Escalates
Reports indicate that fighting broke out on Monday between Somali regional security forces and local Oromia militias following disagreements surrounding the new administrative office.
During the confrontation, a 13-year-old girl was reportedly killed. The circumstances surrounding her death have not been independently established.
The clashes generated widespread fear among residents, with families reportedly fleeing their homes to escape further violence.
Hundreds of people are said to have crossed into Kenya, seeking safety as uncertainty continues over the security situation in Moyale and surrounding communities.
Protests Disrupt Transportation and Business Activities
The violence also triggered demonstrations, disrupting normal life in the border town.
Transport services were reportedly suspended in affected areas, while shops, businesses and bus stations closed amid concerns about further confrontations.
Local elders and security officials reportedly held discussions on Monday in an attempt to contain the crisis and prevent additional bloodshed.
According to the circulating reports, the discussions resulted in an agreement to remove the Somali Regional State flag from the disputed location.
However, the decision reportedly provoked further demonstrations among Somali residents, particularly in Kebele 02, on Tuesday.
Protesters expressed opposition to the removal of the flag, reflecting continuing disagreements over local administrative representation and authority.
Humanitarian Concerns Grow as Civilians Flee
The reported displacement has raised concerns about the safety and welfare of civilians living along the Ethiopia–Kenya border.
Families fleeing the unrest may face urgent needs for shelter, food, clean drinking water and medical assistance.
The situation is particularly concerning for children, women and other vulnerable residents who may be exposed to violence and displacement.
Moyale is an important commercial and transportation center linking Ethiopia and Kenya. Continued insecurity could affect cross-border trade, passenger transport and livelihoods in communities dependent on movement between the two countries.
Calls for Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence
The latest confrontation highlights the sensitivity of administrative and territorial disputes between communities in Ethiopia’s Oromia and Somali regional states.
Community elders, regional authorities and security officials face growing pressure to prevent further escalation and restore public confidence.
Peaceful dialogue, restraint and cooperation between regional administrations remain essential to addressing the dispute and protecting civilians.
The killing of a child and the reported displacement of hundreds of residents underscore the humanitarian consequences of the violence.
The reported casualty figures, displacement numbers and circumstances surrounding the clashes have not been independently verified. Official confirmation from the relevant regional authorities was not available in the information provided.
