A mystery illness has killed more than 2,000
nomads in Ethiopia’s Somali region since 2014, according to a report
published Tuesday by Voice of America (VOA).
Those who have treated the ill say symptoms of the mysterious illness
include bleeding from the nose and mouth, swollen limbs, and a green or
yellow tint to eyes. Victims of this mystery ailment comprise a nomadic
tribe of cattle herders, who roam the Ogaden Basin region, rich in oil
and natural gas reserves.
Another group drawn to the Ogaden Basin region is the Chinese oil and
gas firm Poly-GCL, which has surveyed the area since 2014, when the
nomads began to exhibit symptoms of the illness.
The imminent construction of a pipeline by Poly-GCL in the region
near Calub, Ethiopia, has riled residents, who argue the project will
destroy the local environment and compromise grazing area for their
cattle; they also add that they have not been consulted regarding the
enterprise.
With the commercial gas venture on the horizon, the Ethiopian
government has recently signed an agreement with Poly-GCL allowing for
the African nation to gain 50 percent of any income from oil or gas
production. As a result of the Chinese pipeline, Ethiopia will be able
to export natural gas.
Despite concern from both locals and outsiders, such as Western reporters and researchers from human rights groups,
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed denies allegations that the oil and
gas project has caused any damage to the health and environment of the
region or its people.
He defends the deal with the Chinese as essential for Ethiopia’s economic growth. Ethiopia indeed looks to China for economic support.
The joint oil and gas venture between the two nations illustrates a strategic alliance
between Ahmed and Chinese dictator Xi Jinping, whose Belt and Road
Initiative aims to consolidate power for China across Asia, Africa, and
Europe.
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