Another Mystery Chinese Disease: Ethiopian Nomads Bleeding to Death

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.

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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