ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia has banned weapons at the upcoming Irrecha religious festival in order to avoid the violence that killed several dozen people last year. The statement from the restive Oromia region comes ahead of the October 1 thanksgiving gathering.
“The security situation in the region has improved immensely compared to last year so armed personnel will not be allowed to be at the center of the festival,” Lomi Beo, head of the Oromia Culture and Tourism Office, told the Associated Press on Sunday. “Armed police will be confined to the outskirts of the festival site as per the request of the religious leaders. We don’t expect last year’s tragedy to happen again.”
Up to 1.5 million people are expected to participate in this year’s celebration in the town of Bishoftu, 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the capital Addis Ababa, she said.
Last year security forces at the Irrecha gathering dispersed anti-government protesters with tear gas and gunfire, triggering a deadly stampede that officials said killed at least 50 people. Activists said the death toll was much higher
Subsequent large-scale anti-government demonstrations across the Oromia region claimed more lives, caused the destruction of several local and foreign-owned companies and led to the declaration of a statement of emergency that lasted for 10 months.
“We are already witnessing signs of tensions as the day of the celebration draws closer,” said Nimona Nigash, a resident of Bishoftu town. “People are told to avoid displaying anti-government signs and wearing black clothes during the event.”
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