SUMMARY

The Amaro (also called Kore) and the Guji inhabit neighboring territories in southern Ethiopia. The relationship between the two groups has traditionally been hostile. One of the reasons for this is the fact that they pursue different livelihoods: the Guji are for the most part pastoralists, while the Amaro are sedentary agriculturalists. It has been argued that one factor behind the tense relationship is the Gujis' habit of burning land when they move on from a place, a practice not appreciated by the Amaro. Furthermore, there are persistent tensions over the use of grazing lands.

The non-state conflict between the Amaro and the Guji is first included in the UCDP data in 2006. In October that year, violent clashes flared up on the border of the two territories, resulting in over 25 battle-related deaths.