Jigjiga (Hornpost) The Somali Regional State of Ethiopia has announced the addition of 14 new districts to the existing administrative structure of the region.
During its regular annual session, the Parliament of the Somali Regional State approved a motion to increase the number of districts in the region from 95 to 109.
However, some communities, particularly from the “Reserve area” of the Somali Region, have expressed deep concern over what they describe as an unfair distribution of the new districts. They accuse the President of the Somali Region, Mustafe Muhumed Cagjar, of favoritism—claiming that deserving areas have long been denied district or regional status, while consistent benefits have allegedly been extended to the Ogaden community, from which the President hails.
These groups view the decision as a continuation of longstanding injustice regarding the allocation of regional and district status within the Somali Region, blaming both the regional President and Parliament for perpetuating inequality.
Meanwhile, the move has also sparked opposition in neighboring Oromia Region. Reports indicate that protests have broken out in parts of Oromia, which shares a border with the Somali Region.
The two regions have a history of recurring clashes over land and grazing rights, often leading to significant violence and casualties. In response, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has called on Ethiopia’s federal government to urgently address the recurring armed conflicts between the two regions rather than waiting for more civilian harm.
Hornpost staff Reporter
