The Anuak who live in the lowlands of Gambela are distinguished by the color of their skin and their facial features and are considered to be Nilotic Africans. The Ethiopian peoples of the highlands are nearly entirely made up of Afro-Asiatic (Semitic, Cushitic, and Omotic) speaking ethnicities, and have distinctly different facial features and generally have a lighter skin color as well. The Anuak have accused the current Ethiopian government and dominant highlands people of committing genocide against them. The government's oppression has affected the Anuak's access to education, health care, and other basic services, as well as limiting opportunities for the development of the area.