The Kenyan government has repatriated about 1Â 000 Ethiopians who fled their land after recent violent tribal clashes, according to reports.
The Ethiopians, members of the Gabra and Borana tribes who have been fighting recently over cattle, grazing land and water resources, were apparently sent back after the Ethiopian government assured the fleeing people their land would be secured.
They crossed into Kenya four days ago and the group of mostly women and children was residing near the border town of Moyale.
”Ethiopian officials were here [in Moyale] and assured them that necessary steps have been taken to protect them,” Omar Beja, the Moyale district officer, told the United Nation’s news service, Irin.
Some reports said police were using force to push the people out of the country.
Pastoralist clashes are common around the dry and arid frontier between Ethiopia and Kenya, with armed tribesmen often killing dozens in cross-border raids. — Sapa-dpa