More than 35 people lost their lives, and several others were injured on 25 December 2024, during an armed confrontation in Dacawaley kebele, Harshin district, Fafan zone, in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State. The violence involved local pastoralists and regional government forces, escalating tensions that have simmered for weeks.
According to sources, the clashes intensified when forces identified as special police and militia from the neighboring Yoale District allegedly launched an attack on Dacawaley. This incident is linked to a long-standing land dispute between two subclans, Isaaq and Ogaden, which previously resulted in casualties during an initial confrontation on 19 December.
Efforts by local elders to mediate the conflict reportedly ended in tragedy when armed groups ambushed their delegation. Several elders were killed, and others were reportedly abducted.
Tensions in the area had been brewing since November, when the head of Yoale district’s security office and two civilians were killed. The violence further escalated after an armed attack on a reconciliation committee in December, leaving one soldier injured.
Reports indicate that the latest attack involved forces from the neighboring Somaliland region, drawing condemnation from Somaliland’s government. The Minister of Internal Security labeled the event as a “massacre” targeting civilians, primarily pastoralists, and accused the special police of violating human rights and international norms. Somaliland officials also alleged that their elders, sent to mediate the conflict, were abducted.
Witnesses claim that the attacking forces used bulldozers to destroy homes and set some ablaze, forcing residents to flee to forested areas for safety. The Somali Regional government has not yet commented on the incident, while ongoing network disruptions in the area make independent verification challenging.
Further developments are expected as discussions between Somaliland and Ethiopian authorities are reportedly underway.