Sunday September 24, 2023
Jigjiga (HOL) - Heavy fighting erupted between Somali and Oromia regional forces near the Qoloji IDP camp, 65 kilometres south of Jigjiga in the Somali Fafan zone.
Residents in the vicinity reported that Sunday's conflict was more intense than the clashes in the same area last week, as both sides employ heavy weaponry.
The extent of damage and casualties remains unknown, as officials from both regions have yet to release information regarding the motives behind the conflict and official casualty figures.Over the past three days, signs of an impending conflict became evident as the Oromia administration deployed many armed forces near the camp. This buildup ultimately culminated in the outbreak of fighting on Sunday.
The Oromo-Somali border conflict has persisted for several years despite efforts by the Ethiopian federal government to quell the recurring violence that has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands.
