Ethnic fighting rocks Ethiopia
2002-10-04 14:23
Addis Ababa - Fierce clashes between rival ethnic groups in western Ethiopia have left more than 60 people dead and forced thousands to flee their homes, an Ethiopian human rights organisation said.
According to the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), the fighting broke out in July between the Agnuak and Nuer tribes who live in Gambella National Regional State, bordering Sudan. It is one of the most remote parts of Ethiopia.
"During the conflict great destruction was caused to both human life and property," EHRCO's head office in Addis Ababa said.
The Nuers claim that their rivals - the Agnuak - have deliberately prevented them from gaining political representation after their vice president died last year. He still has not been replaced.
According to EHRCO, the Nuers attacked the Agnuak, burning down dozens of houses in eight local districts. Some 8 700 people were forced to flee their homes.
EHRCO says the fighting has still not subsided. "The failure on the part of the appropriate authorities has contributed towards a worsening of the conflict that has caused a lot of damage," it added.
It also warned that the final death toll could be much higher as full details have still not been received.
EHRCO argues that the federal government in Ethiopia should step in to ensure that the Nuer tribe regains some kind of political representation in Gambella.
It also called for local officials who are found to be complicit in the violence to be brought to justice. - IRIN