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Ethiopia's Oromo Celebrate Festival in Addis amid Tight Security

Reuters

   ADDIS ABABA - Hundreds of thousands of Ethiopia's largest ethnic group
   celebrated in Addis Ababa on Saturday at the start of an annual
   thanksgiving festival which was marred by violence in 2016.

   Security was high for Irreecha, which is celebrated by the Oromo people
   to mark the start of the harvest season.

   On Friday and Saturday thousands of people dressed in traditional white
   costumes arrived in buses, cars and by foot from all over the Oromia
   region to celebrate on the streets of the capital with dancing, singing
   and flag waving.

   "This festivity is a symbol of a transition from darkness to a light,"
   said Zewidu Megrarobi, 65, a farmer from Yeka, a village located on the
   outskirts of Addis Ababa, who was present during the 2016 clashes.

   Security was high, with a visible presence from security forces
   including snipers. Ethiopian Federal Police said nine people had been
   arrested on the eve of the festival for attempting to smuggle weapons
   within the capital.

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