SUMMARY

The Borana, [Gabra and Burji] all inhabit an area straddling the border between northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. Violent conflict between the groups, in various constellations, has taken place over a long time, in relation to land and other resources as well as cattle-raids.

The conflict between Borana and the Gabra, Burji can be seen as a continuation of the conflict between Borana and Gabra that became very violent since 2005. This conflict was intensified by recurrent droughts in the early- and mid-2000s in the Borana homelands. National politics and local redrawing of boundaries has also affected the relationship between the groups. The devolution of power under Kenya's 2010 constitution further increased the stakes of local political positions and control over territory. There were recurring claims of local politicians instigating and fuelling violence between the Borana and the Gabra, Burji. Meanwhile, the cross-border dimension of the conflict adds another complicating dynamic to the situation: First, it makes it more difficult for law enforcement and governmental peace programs such as disarmament efforts to be effective. Second, conflicts between the two groups constantly risks leading to tensions between the two states, endangering the fragile inter-state relations in the Kenya-Ethiopian-Somali border area.

Apart from the Borana vs. Gabra, Burji conflict, the Borana, and Gabra have been fighting each other separately (see the Borana - Gabra conflict). The Borana and Gabra were also involved in a conflict in Ethiopia in 1992 when the Borana fought against a Gabra - Garre alliance (for further information see the Borana - Gabra, Garre conflict).

The non-state conflict between the Borana on one side and the Gabra, Burji on the other is first included in UCDP data in 2013. Clashes during the latter half of that year, especially in and around Moyale on the Kenya - Ethiopia border, resulted in well over 25 battle-related deaths.