BISHOFTU - Thousands of people from the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, celebrated their thanksgiving festival in Bishoftu city amid tight security on Sunday after the authorities said they had seized weapons and foiled attacks in previous days. The Irreecha festival has been the scene of violent protests before by the Oromo, who have long complained of political exclusion. Recent unrest, including the killing of a popular singer in June and the arrest of prominent Oromo politicians, heightened concern of violence at the two-day festival. Dawit Dugama, 25, came all the way from Addis Ababa along with nine friends to take part the festival. The festival passed without incident in the capital Addis Ababa on Saturday, again amid very tight security.

Source: Ethiopian News October 04, 2020 11:03 UTC