afrol News, 25 July - Ethiopian government has given the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) seven days to quit its rebel region of Ogaden, which lies in the eastern region of the country.

Situated some 800 km east of the capital Addis Ababa, Ogaden shares the border with Somalia. Many Somali ethnics have been living in the area.

The ICRC’s expulsion came after officials of the regional Ogaden government accused the humanitarian body of compromising its neutrality by taking sides with the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) that has been at loggerheads with the government for more than a decade. The group is fighting to separate the region from the rest of the country.

Red Cross officials were accused of interfering with the political situation in Ogaden.

The regional government said they had enough proofs that ICRC had been talking to rebel groups. The group can only be allowed back in the region provided it reviews its actions, appologised and set eyes on humanitarian activities.

ICRC officials in the country declined to comment on their side of the story, arguing "the issue is being handled by the government." The humanitarian body has been embarking on water and sanitation projects in Ogaden.

It was reported that the ONLF killed at least 73 people, including seven Chinese during the last three months.

But the group is now crying foul, pointing accusing fingers at the Ethiopian government for not allowing food aid to the region for the past two months. The group has called for the United Nations to investigate its claims.

The rebels’ claims have been whitewashed by officials of the UN World Food Programme who insist that the region is still enjoying humanitarian supplies.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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