Inter-clan couples threatened with deportation

In some parts of Ethiopia, the caste system makes marriage between people of different origins difficult. Those considered “lower castes” are often confronted with death threats.

“I was very happy when I arrived in Jigjiga, I was hoping that our life would be easier in the city, we got housing, but some people now want us out of the house.” says Hawa Abdulkadir married to a man of a different caste.

Last year, a Somali man was burned alive in Mogadishu after marrying a “superior caste” woman.

Last April, the former Somali regional administration, which wanted to limit discrimination based on caste membership, organized a mass marriage for 28 couples.

The new Somali regional government has denied any discrimination against inter-caste couples.