The UN has warned of worsening humanitarian needs after violence in southern Ethiopia forced thousands from their homes and disrupted transport, markets and cross-border trade….reports Africa Daily News Desk
Intercommunal violence in the Ethiopian border town of Moyale has displaced thousands of people, with as many as 50,000 reportedly crossing into neighbouring Kenya since Thursday, the United Nations has said.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed deep concern over the violence, which has resulted in casualties and disrupted transport, markets and cross-border trade, restricting access to essential goods and services.
The violence, which erupted on October 18, has reportedly displaced thousands of people in Ethiopia’s Oromia and Somali regions, in addition to those who have fled across the border into Kenya, Xinhua News Agency reported, citing OCHA.
Local authorities in Kenya estimate that up to 50,000 people have entered the country since Thursday, with further crossings reported.
Many of those fleeing the violence are women and children. While some have found shelter with relatives and host communities, others are staying in temporary accommodation, including schools and churches.
Food is the most urgent requirement, followed by safe drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation and healthcare, OCHA said.
“Continued insecurity has forced several partners to suspend activities,” the office said, adding that the UN and its humanitarian partners were preparing a joint assessment mission to affected areas as soon as security conditions allowed.
The agency stressed the need to protect civilians and ensure safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to everyone requiring assistance.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has deployed an emergency team to Moyale and is working with the Kenyan government, UN agencies, the Kenya Red Cross Society and other humanitarian organisations to support the response.
The Kenya Red Cross Society is operating six health service points, conducting malnutrition screening and distributing relief supplies. Local communities have also shared food and water with displaced people, although available stocks remain limited, according to OCHA.
The UN and its partners are working to expand assistance as humanitarian needs increase. Agencies have deployed staff and are mobilising additional supplies to support those already displaced and prepare for further population movements.
UNHCR is mobilising emergency relief supplies, including essential household items and temporary shelter materials, to assist nearly 12,000 people. Efforts are under way to expand the response as the situation develops.
The continuing insecurity has complicated relief operations, prompting humanitarian agencies to prioritise civilian protection, access to essential services and preparations for further displacement.
