A violent conflict over control of lucrative fishing grounds along the Todonyang border has intensified, pitting Dassanech militia from Ethiopia against Turkana Fishermen from Kenya.
The violence, triggered by territorial disputes and competition for fishing resources, has resulted in at least three fatalities and dozens of missing persons in the latest wave of attacks.
Tensions escalated as the Dassanech militia, previously unacquainted with fishing, became involved in the booming fishing trade after acquiring large-scale fishing techniques from Kenyan fishermen.
What initially began as a cross-border collaboration rapidly deteriorated into a fierce rivalry, with the militia seeking to dominate the highly productive fishing zones of Natira and Lopeimukat along Lake Turkana.
According to local sources, the Dassanech militia have now taken control of the Natira and Lopeimukat belt, a prime fishing area located within Kenyan territory, forcing out Turkana fishermen in blatant defiance of international borders.
The militia’s incursion has been largely driven by displacement due to flooding along Ethiopia’s River Omo, compelling them to seek alternative livelihoods across the border.
In the most recent attack, at least 38 fishermen have been reported missing, with three bodies recovered following what survivors described as a ruthless ambush.
The militia allegedly plundered fishing equipment, boats, and other valuable items before retreating across the border.
Reports from local administrators indicate that fishermen lost 551 nets and more than 50 boats in the deadly militia ambush on Lake Turkana on February 22, while 38 fishermen remain unaccounted for.
However, Ethiopian authorities have made a counter-claim, asserting that 13 of their own fishermen are missing, though they have not provided further details.
The General Administrator of Dassanech Woreda (District), Tadele Hate, informed Kenyan officials at the border that 13 Dassanech tribesmen had allegedly disappeared during the conflict.
Local elder Lokopu Lobur accused the Ethiopian authorities of employing delaying tactics to obstruct efforts to recover the stolen fishing equipment or hold the attackers accountable.
Lobur alleged that Ethiopian officials were attempting to divert attention from the stolen fishing gear and the massacre by fabricating counter-claims regarding missing Ethiopian individuals.
According to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr Abdi Hassan, 66 survivors have been accounted for, while 38 fishermen remain missing.
