The New Encyclopaedia Britannica states that most inhabitants of Dire Dawa are "Oromo (Galla) or Somali people" (1989, 118).

Attached is a reference from a recent issue of Afrique contemporaine which alludes to the city of Dire Dawa as having been, and continuing to be, a spot of contention between ethnic groups, particularly between the Oromos and Somalis (Apr.-June 1995, 48). The same article further adds that the Somalis, and more particularly the Issas, hope to gain control of Dire Dawa. The first president of the Somali region had chosen Dire Dawa as regional capital, a choice vetoed by the central government (ibid.).

A representative of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) (2 Apr. 1996), estimates that the ethnic composition of Dire Dawa, in order of predominance, is comprised of Oromos and neighbouring peasant groups, including Somalis, Amharas, Hararis, and Arabs. The same source added that a 1992 government committee had been formed to discuss the issue of Dire Dawa's ethnic composition (ibid.).

The president of the All Amhara People's Cultural and Relief Organization (AAPCRO) specified that the Oromos are the largest group in Dire Dawa, while noting that they are predominantly concentrated in the outlying areas and not in the city itself (10 Apr. 1996). He added that the next largest groups are the Amharas, Somalis, Adri (Harare), Greeks, Armenians, French and Arabs, the four last groups comprising the core of the merchant class, as Dire Dawa is considered a commercial centre (ibid). This source contacted a third party, a former administrator of the province, who listed the Somalis or Issas as being the major ethnic component of Dire Dawa, followed by non-Oromos, primarily Guragis, and finally Amharas (ibid. 11 Apr. 1996).

Please consult the attachments for information on the ethnic composition of, and population movements within, Ethiopia.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB 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 find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Afrique contemporaine [Paris]. April-June 1995. No. 174. Thierry Vircoulon. "Ethiopie: les risques du federalisme."

All Amhara People's Cultural and Relief Organization (AAPCROP), Toronto. 10, 11 April 1996. Telephone interview with president.

The New Encyclopaedia Britannica. 1989. 15th ed. Vol. 4 Edited by Philip W. Goetz. Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Toronto. 2 April 1996. Telephone interview with representative.

Afrique contemporaine [Paris]. April-June 1995. No. 174. Thierry Vircoulon. "Éthiopie: Les risques du fédéralisme," pp. 35-50.

Ethiopia: A Country Study. 1981. Edited by Richard F. Nyrop. Washington, DC: Secretary of the Army, p. 16.

The New Encyclopaedia Britannica. 1989. 15th ed. Vol. 4 Edited by Philip W. Goetz. Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica, p. 118.
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