Ethnic clashes worsening effects of drought

Ethnic clashes have erupted between rival groups fighting over scarce water sources in Ethiopia's Afar Region and surrounding areas, the UN Emergencies Unit for Ethiopia (EUE) has warned.

The Afar and the Issas have clashed near the Awash River that runs through their territory while searching for water, according to a report published by the EUE.

The report states that some 400 cattle were stolen by the Afar who launched the attack on the Issas from Shinille zone in Somali Region.

Many clashes between the groups are being sparked because of the drought which has had a “devastating” impact on the pastoralists in the region. Children are also begging for water at the side of roads, according to the report by the EUE, whose mission was carried out in mid-July.

The clashes are worsening the impact of the drought which has hit Afar Region and surrounding areas including parts of Oromiya and Somali Regions.

Issa community leaders told the EUE team that they would have to return to the water points regardless of the risks if their cattle are to survive.

Conflict has also meant that traditional watering holes have been left empty because it is too dangerous to return to the Awash River and refill them.

“Following clashes, many Somali pastoralists were forced to leave their traditional water and grazing areas,” the report said. “Without secure access to water, the very survival of the pastoral community’s livestock is threatened."

“Immediate political solutions are essential to negotiate conflict resolution between Afar and Issa communities over water and grazing lands,” it stressed.

The EUE also called on regional governments in the Afar and Somali Regions to set up peace talks between clan elders.

Often the clashes between ethnic groups – who are all nomadic pastoralists – are triggered because they wander into each other’s territory in search of water or pasture.

The condition of livestock in the region has also declined over the years. The EUE said that camels, which could go for 15 to 20 days without water, would now need to drink every three days.