At least 2,500 people displaced by fighting in Ethiopia were staying in Kenya’s Moyale, Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande told Reuters, as a hospital official on the Ethiopian side reported at least nine deaths.
The hospital official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters about 30 wounded people had been brought in over several days. Anadolu Agency said it had not independently verified the casualty figures.
Residents told Reuters the violence between Oromo and Somali communities began Wednesday, with gunfire still audible Friday. Anadolu Agency linked the clashes to tensions over displaying the Somali Regional State flag in an area administered by Oromia. Both regional administrations are part of Ethiopia; Somalia is a separate neighboring country.
On Thursday, the Kenya Red Cross said its initial aid effort would assist 1,000 households.
