Issues behind clashes in Ethiopia's Oromia and Somali regions

Thousands of people fled Ethiopia's Somali region following deadly clashes in recent days between ethnic Somalis and Oromos.

The BBC's Kalkidan Yibeltal looks at the cause of the conflict and whether it can be stopped. Dozens of people are reported to have died in clashes across Ethiopia's Oromia and Somali regions in recent days.

According to Adisu Arega, Oromia government's spokesperson, 18 people have been killed. Twelve of those victims are ethnic Somalis, Mr Adisu told the BBC. The figures are however disputed by the Somali regional government, which says that more than 30 ethnic Somalis have been killed in the Oromia town of Awaday.

The clashes have displaced at least 30,000 people, some of whom have taken refuge in makeshift camps at a stadium in the eastern city of Harar, whilst others are camping at police stations. Local administrators have now asked aid agencies operating in the area to provide humanitarian assistance.

UCJ, UNILORIN.