An unprecedented number of armed clashes are currently sweeping in and around the border of Ogaden and the neighboring Oromo regional state.

The fighting is most prevalent in the city of Moyale in Libaan province, the town of Ma’aayso in Shiniile province along with districts in Fafaan province such as Baabili and Tuliguleed.

According to local contacts armed Oromo paramilitary militia’s, in some cases wearing uniforms of the Oromo regional security forces  are looting property and displacing Somalis in the city of Moyale, which sits on the border between Ogaden and Oromia.

Reports coming out of the Baabili district in Fafaan province over the past 24 hours also reveal a tense situation as Oromo militia’s and xenophobic Oromo mobs launch a vicious onslaught targeting Somalis. The vile onslaught forced scores of Somalis to flee to the nearby city of Jigjiga for safety as gunshots where heard ringing in Baabili til midnight.

Clashes on the border between Somalis and Oromo’s have occurred in the past, most notably the 2017 TPLF proxy conflict between the Liyuu Police militia and the Oromo regional forces (Liyuu Hail). The latest round of clashes are most disturbing due to the fact that Oromo regional security forces from the OPDO junta, which is the same political party Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hails from are taking part in the fighting.

The indiscriminate attacks being perpetrated against Somali pastoralists and civilians residing on the border between Ogaden and Oromia is a crime against humanity as well as a violation of international law and the Geneva conventions.

The fighting that has besieged the region over the past few weeks, which has escalated in the recent days has forced thousands of Somalis to flee the area around Baabili and Tuliguleed to seek sanctuary at the Qaloji refugee camp on the outskirts of Jigjiga. These families, mainly women and children remain languishing in despair without any assistance whatsoever, while the homes and property they left behind remain a “no go zone” due to the fighting.

What is more disturbing is that all this is happening under the watchful eye of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and not a single Oromo intellect, activist or elder has condemned this brutal onslaught against Somalis.

We will continue to keep you updated with the latest developments and updates from the region.

Halgan Media.