The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that more than 288,000 people have been forcibly displaced in the border areas of Oromia and Somali regions since fighting erupted in July 2025. The surge in displacement follows renewed clashes between pastoralist communities over long-standing territorial claims and competition for scarce resources.

Somali and Oromia zonal administrators confirmed the displacement figures during joint assessments, attributing the hostilities to unresolved boundary disputes dating back to the 2004 referendum and repeated skirmishes over grazing land and water sources. Previous flare-ups in 2017–18 displaced over one million people by mid-2018.

According to local officials, three civilians—including a seven-year-old child—were killed and three others wounded in engagements with armed groups from the neighboring Somali region. In a separate briefing, the deputy administrator of Udet district reported at least seven fatalities and a growing wave of new arrivals since the current conflict began.

Security forces from both regional states have convened preliminary peace talks to address the border dispute between East Borena Zone (Oromia) and adjacent districts in Somali Regional State. Community leaders, however, say displaced residents have been excluded from negotiations and fear returning without formal security guarantees.

OCHA warned that displaced women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities face acute protection risks. Shortages of secure shelter and adequate services heighten exposure to reprisals, gender-based violence and psychological distress amid persistent insecurity.

Humanitarian partners also highlight severe malnutrition, water scarcity, low immunization coverage and extremely limited health and sanitation facilities in makeshift camps, factors that significantly raise the threat of infectious disease outbreaks. All school-age children in the affected areas have dropped out of classes, as damaged infrastructure and the conversion of schools into temporary shelters have halted formal education.

In Oromia’s East Borena Zone, authorities say 151,972 people have fled the Arero, Das, Gumidalo-Ona and Wachile districts. Reports indicate that more than 5,700 head of livestock were looted and extensive property damage was recorded.

Meanwhile, Somali regional officials estimate 136,199 displaced individuals in Moyale and Udet districts of Dawa Zone and in Dekasuftu and Kersadula districts of Liben Zone. An August Multi-Sectoral Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA) pinpointed concentrations of displaced people in Moyale (57,600), Udet (45,000), Kersadula (21,500) and Dekasuftu (12,000). Local disaster offices documented widespread property destruction, livestock theft and multiple casualties.

Humanitarian agencies say urgent priorities include food assistance, emergency shelter, non-food items, water, sanitation and nutrition support. They stress an immediate need for lighting and security measures to protect women and girls, as well as clothing, footwear and small-scale financial aid for affected families.