Hundreds of Ethiopians cross into Kenya to flee regional fighting
Dispute over raising flag of Somali Regional State devolves into fighting between regional forces.
Hundreds of Ethiopians have crossed into Kenya, fleeing fighting in the border town of Moyale, which was reportedly prompted by loyalists publicly raising the flag of a neighbouring majority-Somali state.
Kenyan police said on Thursday that hundreds of Ethiopians, mostly women and children, crossed into Kenya through several entry points in Moyale, including the Sessi, Kore, Biashara, Foundation and Miti areas.
The people who crossed the border were fleeing tensions between leaders of Ethiopia’s Oromia and Somali regional states, according to Kenyan police.
The Kenya Red Cross said it was setting up temporary shelter and distributing essential items including cereal and porridge flour.