Up to 50,000 flee Ethiopia clashes, seek refuge in Kenya's Moyale County — UNHCR

Up to 50,000 flee Ethiopia clashes, seek refuge in Kenya's Moyale County — UNHCR - Fighting between Oromia and Somali regional forces has escalated in Moyale, Ethiopia, forcing civilians to flee as homes burn and transport services grind to a halt. (Photo: Addis Standard)

The agency said it is mobilising emergency relief supplies, including essential household items and temporary shelter materials, to assist nearly 12,000 people, with plans to scale up support as needs increase.

Up to 50,000 people have crossed into Kenya from Ethiopia to escape ongoing clashes, with thousands seeking refuge in Moyale, as humanitarian agencies mobilise emergency assistance, UNHCR said on Wednesday, citing data from local authorities.

In a statement attributed to the UNHCR Representative in Kenya, Fatima Mohammed-Cole, the refugee agency warned of a growing humanitarian need as more continue to flee Ethiopia to Kenya.

“Significant cross-border movements have been reported since 22 October. According to local authorities, up to an estimated 50,000 people have crossed into Kenya. The figure remains fluid as registration and verification efforts continue, amid reports of further crossings,” the agency said, noting that many of those fleeing the violence are women and children, with some staying with relatives and host communities while others have sought shelter in temporary locations, including schools and churches.

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According to UNHCR, food remains the most urgent need, alongside safe drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation and healthcare.

The agency said it is mobilising emergency relief supplies, including essential household items and temporary shelter materials, to assist nearly 12,000 people, with plans to scale up support as needs increase.

It has also deployed an emergency team to Moyale and is working with the Kenyan government, through the Department of Refugee Services and county authorities, as well as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the Kenya Red Cross Society and other humanitarian partners.

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At the same time, UNHCR is also supporting assessments to establish the protection and humanitarian needs of those arriving in Kenya.

“We are also working with the authorities and partners to identify safer accommodation options, further away from the border, for those fleeing violence,” the statement adds.