The Sheikash, Akisho [sometimes spelled Akishe), and Gaboya, Jarso are clans that are reportedly found in large numbers in the Ethiopian Somali region of Jijiga 2 district (Ethiopian Review, 30 Apr. 1996). Reports specific to the treatment of the Sheikash by the Ethiopian authorities between 1997 and 1999 could not be found among the sources currently consulted by the Research Directorate.

A 9 March 1999 AFP report states that other than the war with Eritrea, the Ethiopian government is also faced with "low-level rebellion by Ethnic Somalis, Oromos, and an Islamic group, Al-Ithad al Islam." For information on the Al Ithad al Islam, please see Responses to Information requests on this topic available at Regional Documentation Centres.
According to

Country Reports on Human Rights

Federal and regional authorities arrested and detained more than 1,5000 persons without charge or trial for activities allegedly in support of armed opposition groups. The vast majority of these incidents took place in the Oromiya and Somali regional states. In typical cases, security forces arrested and held these persons incommunicado for several days or weeks before eventually releasing them (20 Mar.1998)

In a telephone interview with the Research Directorate, the Deputy Coordinator of the United Nations Emergency Unit for Ethiopia (UN-EUE) in Addis Ababa stated while the Somali region in Ethiopia is currently experiencing insecurity caused by the government withdraw of federal troops, which have been deployed to go and fight in war with Eritrea, there is generally no evidence of harassment of Somalis by the authorities (22 Mar. 1999). He added that the current administration in the Ogaden region enjoys a good relationship with the government. He explained that currently, the region is facing economic hardships because of the dry season. Consequently, there have been population movements across the border into Somalia and Somaliland and vice-versa (ibid.). For general information on the relationship between Ethiopian Somalis and the Ethiopian government, please consult ETH30083.E of 29 September 1998.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please see the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 9 March 1999. "Ethiopia Accused of Invading Somalia." (NEXIS)

Ethiopian Review. 30 April 1996. Robel Faisal. "The Death of an Era and the Demise of the Community: EPRDF's Manipulation of Somali Clans." (NEXIS)

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1998. 1999. [Internet] http://111.state.gov/www.global/hu...ghts/1998_hrp_report/ethiopia.html [accessed: 20 Mar. 1998].

Deputy Coordinator of the United Nations Emergency Unit for Ethiopia (UN-EUE), Addis Ababa. 22 March 1999. Telephone interview.

Africa Confidential [London]. Weekly. 1997-1998. Vols. 38-39.

Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Series [Oxford]. Monthly. 1997-1998. Vols. 34-35.

The Indian Ocean Newsletter [Paris]. 1998-1999. Nos. 793-848.

Keesing's Record of World Events [Cambridge]. Monthly. Vols. 43-44.

Resource Centre.Country File. Ethiopia.1997-1998.

Electronic sources: IRB Databases. [internet:/http:www.reliefweb.int], LEXIS/NEXIS, World News Connection (WNC).