12 killed as intercommunal clashes erupt in Gambella region, Ethiopia

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) medical teams at the Kule health centre in Ethiopia’s Gambella Region treated dozens of people injured in an outbreak of violence in Itang Special Woreda on 18 September.

The health centre received 88 patients linked to the incident. Eight arrived already deceased, and four more died upon arrival despite efforts by medical staff. The remaining patients were treated for injuries ranging from serious to minor. Thirteen people required further care and were referred to hospitals in Gambella.

“Our priority is to provide urgent medical care to everyone who needs it, based solely on medical need and regardless of their identity or background,” said Gul Badshah, MSF Operations Manager for Ethiopia, based in Nairobi. “We call on all those involved to exercise restraint and protect civilians from further violence.”

The Gambella region, which borders South Sudan and hosts hundreds of thousands of mostly South Sudanese refugees, has seen recurring intercommunal clashes. MSF continues to provide emergency medical care at the Kule facility, which serves both refugees and local communities.

The organisation has not identified the parties involved in the 18 September violence.