Cause and consequences of internal displacement of Oromo persons from the Somali Regional State and coping strategies at the Laga Xaafo Laga Dadhi Resettlement Site

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to explore the internal displacement of the Oromo from the Somali Regional State and resettled at the Laga Xaafo Laga Dadhi Resettlement Site. It examines the causes and consequences of displacement and the coping strategies of the displaced people. The study employed a qualitative research method. Primary data was collected using interviews, focus group discussions and observation. Secondary sources were also consulted, reviewed and integrated into the primary data to provide a better picture of the issue under the study. The finding of this study revealed that the Oromo people were displaced from the Somali region unwillingly because of different factors. As revealed in this study, the dominant reasons for their displacement were their ethnic identity, political motives and desire for economic dominance by the corrupt high ranking military personnel and their associated government officials. As a result of forced displacement, some people were gunshot by the Liyu police, some were beaten to death and some became physically disabled as a result of worsts measures. Women were raped, beaten and part of their body was cut mercilessly. Pertinent to this, the displacement has also resulted in different negative social and economic consequences. Families were separated, have lost their loved ones and people’s social lives were disrupted. Furthermore, most of these people have lost their belongings, properties, business and their job because of their displacement. Different challenges are facing the displaced Oromo people dwelling in the studied resettlement site, including Economic, psychological, social, cultural and environmental challenges. Although lots of challenges and problems are facing these people, different coping strategies are being employed by the displaced people. Support from the government, and relatives, involving in income-generating activities by the displaced people and migrations to the different places were the major strategies to cope with the existing challenges. However, the displaced people were mainly dependent on government support for their survival. Finally, based on the finding of the study, the following recommendations were forwarded to the concerned stockholders to improve the situation of the displaced Oromo from the Somali region. Thus psychological counseling services should be provided for these people; the government needs to allocate the necessary budget and resources for internal displacement crises and the government should develop policy and framework to deal with such kinds of issues.