Intense Fighting Claims Lives Along Ethiopian-Somaliland Border
Over ten people lost their lives and dozens were injured following violent clashes in Da’awaley village along the Ethiopian-Somaliland border. Clan militias and regional forces engaged in intense fighting, attributed to a land dispute between the Ogaden/Darood and Isaaq/Arab clans. The Somaliland government condemned the assault, labeling it a massacre, and called for accountability amid escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns in the area.
In a tragic incident along the Ethiopian-Somaliland border, more than ten individuals were killed, and dozens were injured due to fierce confrontations in Da’awaley village on Wednesday. The conflict erupted between clan militias and regional state forces, escalating the already heightened tensions in this disputed area. According to local reports, the Somali Regional State’s Liyu Police, in collaboration with the Ogaden clan militia, launched a pre-dawn assault targeting the Isaaq/Arab clan militia. The violence resulted in multiple casualties among civilians, including clan elders and children, as reported by officials from Somaliland.
Abdalle Mohamed Arab, the Somaliland Minister of Internal Security, condemned the violent assault, labeling it a “massacre.” He accused the Liyu Police of indiscriminately attacking innocent civilians, particularly pastoralists, characterizing these actions as significant violations of human rights principles. Furthermore, Minister Arab noted that traditional elders from Somaliland, who had come to Da’awaley to facilitate peaceful negotiations, were allegedly abducted during these assaults, stating that such actions breach international norms. Visual documentation shared on social media shows burned homes and looted properties, indicating the severity of the situation.
In the wake of this violence, Ethiopian authorities have reportedly closed the border as tensions continue to escalate. The ongoing clashes in Da’awaley are rooted in a longstanding land dispute between the Ogaden/Darood and Isaaq/Arab clans, both of which contend ownership over territories in this contested region. While officials from the Somali Regional State have remained silent on the specifics of the incident, their police commission earlier claimed that their forces were attacked by “terrorist groups.”
The clashes along the Ethiopian-Somaliland border are emblematic of deeper ethnic tensions and disputes over land ownership between clans in the region. The Ogaden/Darood and Isaaq/Arab clans have long contended with each other over territorial claims, complicating the socio-political dynamics of the area. Historical grievances and local governance failures have exacerbated these disputes, often resulting in violent confrontations that claim the lives of both combatants and innocent civilians. This particularly troubling incident highlights the urgent need for conflict resolution and strengthened governance in the region to address the underlying causes of unrest.
In summary, the tragic events in Da’awaley village reflect the ongoing tensions and conflicts arising from historical land disputes between clans in the region. The violent confrontations led to significant casualties and raised serious concerns regarding human rights violations, particularly the indiscriminate targeting of civilians. As the situation evolves, it emphasizes the necessity for accountability and a commitment to peaceful conflict resolution in order to prevent future violence and safeguard the lives of innocent people in the region.
Original Source: hornobserver.com
