By Hirpha Birru
Ethiopia’s Irreecha festival, a significant cultural event for the Oromo people, took place this year with millions participating in a peaceful and vibrant celebration. The 2023 Irreecha festivities unfolded against the backdrop of complex political dynamics that have been shaping the nation’s recent history.
This year’s Irreecha festival was marked by an atmosphere of peace and unity as millions of Oromos came together to celebrate their culture and heritage. The contrast with previous years, marred by violence and discord, was striking. Instead, the festival was characterized by joy, cultural pride, and unity, creating a memorable experience for all who attended.
A Peaceful and Vibrant Celebration
This year’s Irreecha festival was marked by an atmosphere of peace and unity as millions of Oromos came together to celebrate their culture and heritage. The contrast with previous years, marred by violence and discord, was striking. Instead, the festival was characterized by joy, cultural pride, and unity, creating a memorable experience for all who attended.
Government’s Shift in Approach
A noteworthy aspect of this year’s Irreecha celebration was the Ethiopian government’s unprecedented support and open participation. The government provided security and logistical support, marking a significant departure from its previous stance. This change suggests a willingness to engage with Oromo cultural events, potentially signifying a broader shift in the government’s approach to addressing the concerns of the Oromo people.
Opposition Leaders’ Concerns
Key opposition leaders, such as Jawar Mohammed and Obbo Bekele Gerba, celebrated Irreecha abroad in Kenya and the United States, respectively. Their decision to participate from outside Ethiopia is driven by concerns for their personal safety. Past events, including the arrest of Jawar Mohammed’s security personnel during last year’s Irreecha, have raised serious doubts about the security of opposition leaders within the country.
The Influence of Fear
The fear for their safety appears to have influenced the choice of location for these opposition leaders’ Irreecha celebrations. Jawar Mohammed, in particular, had been forced to return home during last year’s Irreecha due to security concerns, and this year he opted to celebrate in Nairobi, Kenya, as a precautionary measure.
OLF Leaders in Prison
A remarkable aspect of this year’s Irreecha was the participation of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) leaders from within prison walls. Figures like Lammi Begna, Jaal Abdi Regassa, Mikel Borana, Dawit Abdeta, and others found ways to join the celebration despite being incarcerated. Their commitment to observing Irreecha from prison demonstrates the resilience of the Oromo people and their enduring connection to their cultural traditions.
Unity vs. Government Strategy
Some observers believe that the Ethiopian government’s newfound support for Irreecha may be part of a broader strategy to foster division among different ethnic groups in the country. They argue that the government is exploiting historical tensions between Oromo and Amhara communities, attempting to maintain its grip on power by sowing discord. This approach contradicts the principle that the happiness of one ethnic group should be the happiness of all, a vital component of achieving a united Ethiopia.
The 2023 Irreecha celebration in Ethiopia was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Oromo people to preserve their cultural heritage and celebrate it peacefully. While the festival marked a departure from past years’ turmoil, it also unfolded against a backdrop of complex political dynamics. The government’s evolving stance on Irreecha and the participation of opposition leaders reflect the multifaceted challenges facing Ethiopia.
As Ethiopia navigates its path toward unity and stability, it is essential to remember that the happiness of one group should indeed be the happiness of all. A united Ethiopia can only be achieved through mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation among its diverse communities, transcending the divisive strategies employed by those in power
