19 dead in tribal clashes

2007-02-13 14:14

Addis Ababa - At least 19 people were killed and 11 others injured in Ethiopia when two rival tribes clashed because of grazing land, said police on Tuesday.

The violence took place at the weekend in Moyale town, 700km south of the capital, Addis Ababa, said police spokesperson Demsash Hailu.

"The newest conflict that erupted killing 19 people in Moyale is part of a continuing grazing problem for livestock in the area," Hailu told The Associated Press, adding that the government is still investigating.

Hailu said the clash, which started on Friday and ended on Sunday, was between the Borana and Gabra tribes, both of which depend on livestock.

The Gabra lost eight people, including two women and one child, while eight were injured. The Borana suffered nine deaths, including one woman, and had three injured.

'Clashes are frequent'

Water and pasture clashes are frequent in the semi-arid terrain where the two tribes live.

In June last year, more than 100 people died after fierce clashes broke out between the Borana and Guji tribes, leaving 90 000 displaced after villagers fled their homes.

The trouble began nearly four years ago when the Ethiopian government marked out a new border between the two tribes' territories.

Hailu said: "One policeman and a military person were also caught up in the crossfire after they tried to calm the situation down.

"Now the situation is under control."

- AP