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Toronto – Irreechaa is an ethnic Oromo-traditional religion, Waqe Fena, practice that was very much restricted to the place of worship in Lake Hora in Debre Zeit (now named Bishoftu).
Since Abiy Ahmed took power in 2018, the Holiday is increasingly taking shape, much as if it is a national holiday for all Ethiopians and has been groomed as a “thanksgiving holiday.”
It is also appearing more like Irreechaa is politically relevant for ethnic Oromo elites especially those who are in the power structures. It is increasingly looking like a state sponsored ethnic Oromo religious practice. This is not the case for other religious holidays that are shared by different ethnic groups across the country. Meskel Holiday is a case in point.
Alemu Sime, the Minister for Transport and Logistics who is himself an Oromo, describes Irreechaa as a showcase of “the power of unity and progress of togetherness.”
The Prime Minister conveyed his message too. This year, he started his address with the phrase “the dignified people of Oromo” and then went on to describe Irreechaa as ” a manifestation of reconciliation; and the Creator loves reconciliation.”
According to a disclosure from the ministry of transport, which is shared on its social media page, the Minister “gave direction” for the provision of transportation to Debre Zeit and Addis Ababa for those who are celebrating Irreechaa.
His Ministry has mobilized and deployed 2857 passenger’s buses in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu to transport people from different towns in the Oromia region. It coordinated with Addis Ababa city administration transport division to make the buses available. It is like a national service for bus owners.
The ministry claims, as stated by the advisors, that “preparation is made to provide equitable” transpiration access to “all users” including those “celebrating the holiday.”
Assefa Haddis, who is an advisor to the Ministry of transpiration, is cited as saying “Service providers should take the holiday as a good opportunity and treat participants of the holiday politely and with Ethiopian hospitality.”
The government is also making claims that security arrangements have been made to ensure that the Oromo holiday is celebrated peacefully.
Irreechaa will be celebrated this weekend both in the capital Addis Ababa and in Debre Zeit.
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What is the issue with providing transportation for those who want to attend the festival but have no means of transportation? It is used as if the government is moving soldiers or militia using 2,800 buses. It is just silly and barking at the wrong tree.
Meanwhile, I hope someone close to this lumberjack of Oromia Region and tell him to watch his language. I am talking about Al-Toweel Shimelis Abdisa. Ireechaa is a festival of Thanksgiving promoting peace and harmony among people. It should not be politicized and used to bully innocent citizens. I can sense why he is doing this. He is allegedly in charge of a highly secretive security outfit in his administration that is accused of gross human rights violations including mass arrests, extrajudicial executions in Oromia region and almost all of them are said to be Oromos. He may be trying to save his skin from possible future prosecution. I don’t want to repeat what he said but it showed me that his body had grown faster than his brain. Somebody above him should have a serious sit-down with him and pinch his moving lips. It has to stop.
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