--- title: "Gunfire Erupts at Ethiopian Border Town Moyale" url: https://newscentral.site/gunfire-erupts-at-ethiopian-border-town-moyale/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-10-30T12:29:02.000Z updated: 2026-10-31T03:31:10.636Z id: 9f404061-3c77-43c4-beed-172d00dcdc37 source: "ABC News International https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/sporadic-gunfire-sends-ethiopians-fleeing-kenya-trucks-remain-137699895" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/gunfire-erupts-at-ethiopian-border-town-moyale/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Gunfire Erupts at Ethiopian Border Town Moyale Thousands of Ethiopians have fled into Kenya due to escalating regional tensions, with over 50,000 people reported to have crossed the border in recent days. Gunfire erupted from the Ethiopian border town of Moyale on Friday, forcing thousands of civilians to flee into Kenya in search of safety from the escalating regional dispute. The sound of sporadic gunfire could be heard coming from the Ethiopian side of the border, with an Associated Press reporter documenting the violence since October 22. The situation has been tense for days, with tensions running high between leaders of the Oromia and Somali regional states of Ethiopia. Cargo trucks carrying goods remain stranded on both sides of the border. According to local authorities, up to 50,000 people have crossed into Kenya in recent days, a significant increase from Tuesday's reported total of 36,000. The United Nations refugee agency is working tirelessly to register and verify the identities of those fleeing Ethiopia, providing vital support to help them settle into their new surroundings. The influx of refugees has put a strain on local resources, with some opting to stay in towns rather than camps due to logistical challenges. "The initial number of people who are in camps and also integrated into the community is still growing day by day," said Benedict Munywoki, deputy county commissioner for Moyale Sub-County. As aid agencies scramble to provide medical care, food, and shelter, a camp established by the Kenya Red Cross has become a lifeline for those seeking refuge. Health workers are on hand to check for malnutrition among children, while others cook meals in large pots over wood fires, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. The humanitarian crisis unfolding along the Ethiopian-Kenyan border continues to worsen as thousands of Ethiopians flee their homes in search of safety. Seifu Negash, a doctor who was forced to abandon his medical practice due to the conflict, is now volunteering with the Kenya Red Cross to treat fellow refugees. Seifu's account of the situation echoes that of many others who have been displaced by the violence. The war started suddenly and we were displaced from our area, he explained, describing the difficulties faced not only in Ethiopia but also after crossing into Kenya. Local residents are doing their best to provide assistance to those in need. In Moyale, a town divided between the Oromia and Somali regional administrations, residents have been opening their homes to fleeing Ethiopians. As one local resident, Galgallo Jarso, put it, "When they arrive we welcome them and give them a place to stay and sleep." In addition to providing shelter, communities are also offering food and medical care to those who require it. Local leaders in Kenya's Marsabit County have expressed concern that the influx of refugees could overwhelm already strained resources. Communities are struggling with food and water shortages, making it challenging to accommodate the growing number of arrivals. As a result, support is urgently needed to help alleviate this crisis. The conflict monitoring organization ACLED has shed light on the underlying causes of the violence. According to Jalale Getachew Birru, senior East Africa analyst for ACLED, the fighting is rooted in a longstanding boundary dispute between the Borana and Garre communities. A 13-year-old Oromo girl was tragically killed in the initial confrontation, although accounts differ over the circumstances. Fighting in the region has seemingly subsided, but tensions remain high according to ACLED's assessment on Wednesday. The violence has also raised security concerns for neighboring Kenya. Kenyan police reported that a woman was shot in the neck by an unknown assailant last week in Moyale. The incident highlights the potential for cross-border violence. Ethiopia is currently grappling with multiple conflicts simultaneously, including one in northern Tigray where rebels have vowed to continue fighting after losing control of Mekelle earlier this month. The ongoing instability has resulted in at least 60 Orthodox Christians being killed in attacks on October 20 and 24, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The Oromo Liberation Army was blamed for these incidents by regional authorities. --- Source: [ABC News International](https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/sporadic-gunfire-sends-ethiopians-fleeing-kenya-trucks-remain-137699895) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/gunfire-erupts-at-ethiopian-border-town-moyale/