Tensions rise as Moyale struggles with influx of Ethiopian refugees

By  David Muchui

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

International humanitarian organisations are expected to move into Moyale this week to support thousands of Ethiopians who have sought refuge in Kenya amid intense fighting across the border.

According to a situation report by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are expected to respond after an assessment of the crisis on Sunday.

(UNHCR is expected to deliver supplies within three to four days, while the WFP is expected to provide food and the IOM will deliver non-food items. UNHCR will lead the establishment of camps, where the relocation of families from Manyatta Burji is identified as a priority." The report states.

Earlier, KRCS head of the Upper Eastern Region, Malik Adan, told Nation that more than 15,000 have fled into Kenya as a result of fighting.

On Monday, residents reported escalation of fighting near Moyale town, with heavy gunfire renting the air.

The refugees are housed in six camps, including Manyatta Burji, which has the largest number of people as well as Arosa Mixed School, Sessi, Somare, Taqwa and St Mary's. Another more than 4,000 are housed by the residents.

Besides the humanitarian needs, Kenya Red Cross has also cited security concerns, where four people were injured by stray bullets at St Mary's camp.

"Tensions have been reported between the refugees and the host community at Manyatta Burji camp," KRCS stated.

Moyale MP Guyo Jaldesa called for urgent intervention by humanitarian organisations, noting that the Kenya Red Cross and local communities were overwhelmed.

“No camp has yet been reached with water and sanitation interventions, and no latrines or mobile toilets have been installed,” Kenya Red Cross reported.

According to the Red Cross, three suspected cases of measles have also been isolated even as health workers keep watch for diarrhoea and respiratory infections.

Speaking on Sunday, Marsabit leaders called for speedy resolution of the conflict as local resources are stretched and business is grounded in Moyale, Kenya.

The conflict has disrupted cross-border trade, with trucks transporting goods to and from Ethiopia stuck at the One-Stop Border Post.

Shops operating near the border have also been closed amid fears of stray bullets and uncertainty.

"I call on the Kenyan government to put in place necessary machinery to protect citizens from the conflict across the border. Security should be enhanced on the Kenyan side to prevent the emergence of armed groups taking advantage of the conflict in Ethiopia," Saku MP Dido Rasso said.

The Marsabit politicians also condemned what they termed potentially inflammatory remarks made by a section of leaders from North Eastern.

Mr Jaldesa warned Kenyan politicians against intermeddling in Ethiopian affairs while calling for speedy restoration of stability.

The fighting broke out on October 22 over an administrative dispute and has left scores of houses and businesses torched, while the casualties remain unknown.

Ethiopian media reported that fighting between Oromia and Somali regional forces has spread into several districts.

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