In recent weeks thousands of Ethiopians have poured into areas around Harar, fleeing violence in neighbouring towns (see map). Most are Oromo, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group. Ethnic violence is common in Ethiopia, especially between Oromos and Somalis, whose vast regions share the country’s longest internal border. Since the introduction of ethnic federalism in 1995, both groups have tried to grab land and resources from each other, often with the backing of local politicians. The previous regime had been dominated by the Amhara, the second-largest ethnic group (the Eritreans broke away to form a new state).

Source: Ethiopian News October 05, 2017 15:00 UTC