25 dead in clashes in Meiso town

Fighting today between Oromo and Somali ethnic groups in the eastern Ethiopian town of Meiso killed at least 25 people, including six civilians, according to information by the Woreda communication bureau, confirmed by the Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization (OPDO) officials. The clashes come amid a week of intense violence after members Somali region special forces reportedly attacked Oromo peasants in the town of Meiso on August 28 and 29 which left seven died and five wounded.
Border disputes occurred between the two ethnic groups in the past over land and water issues and disputes remain unresolved in several areas, causing tensions to rise from time to time. On April 2017 peace agreement was signed between leaders of the regions, Lemma Megersa and Abdi Mohammed but dispute flared up again this past week.
Mieso is one of the district administrative in the Oromia region. Part of the Mirab Hararghe zone,and on the Addis-Djibouti train line, Mieso is bordered on the south by Guba Koricha, on the west by the Afar region, on the north by the Somali region. Incidents such as the looting of cattle, food and other private property are reported often in the area.