Moyale, Ethiopia|Tension gripped Moyale town on the Ethiopia-Kenya border as business came to a standstill and the streets remained largely deserted.
Residents engaged security forces in running battles following the alleged killing of a 12-year-old boy by Ethiopian police.
The victim, identified as Boru Alinur, was reportedly fatally shot under circumstances that remain unclear.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, with residents taking to the streets to demand justice.
Protesters chanted anti-government slogans and lit bonfires on major roads, paralyzing transport and commerce in the usually bustling town.
Eyewitnesses claim the boy was caught in the crossfire during a police operation, though officials have yet to provide details or confirm the events leading to his death.
“We cannot accept this. Our children are not safe even in their own homes,” said one protester, who declined to be named for security reasons.
The unrest underscores simmering tensions between residents and authorities in Moyale, a town that has historically experienced ethnic and political strife.
Protesters have accused law enforcement of excessive use of force, calling for accountability and immediate action against those involved in the killing.
Local leaders joined the call for justice, urging calm while pressuring the Ethiopian government to investigate the incident.
“We demand a transparent inquiry into the killing of Boru Alinur,” said a community elder. “The police must stop using deadly force against innocent civilians.”
Despite the mounting pressure, the Ethiopian government had not issued a formal statement regarding the incident at the time of publication.
Security forces were seen patrolling the streets in an effort to restore order, while residents vowed to continue demonstrations until their demands were met.
Moyale’s strategic location as a cross-border trade hub amplifies the impact of such disruptions, with ripple effects felt on both sides of the border.
Kenyan authorities have heightened security along the border to prevent the unrest from spilling over.
As the town grapples with grief and anger, human rights organizations have called for restraint from both protesters and security forces.
“This tragic loss of life underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform in how security operations are conducted,” said a representative of a local rights group.
The protests highlight the growing frustration among residents who feel neglected by the central government.
As calls for justice intensify, all eyes remain on the Ethiopian authorities to see how they respond to the unfolding crisis.
