Ethiopia's Oromia state is gearing up for the 2017 annual Irreecha festival tomorrow, exactly a year after security forces provoked a deadly stampede that left hundreds dead. Tens of thousands of Oromo celebrants from across Oromia are already making their way to Bishoftu, a resort town 37 miles southeast of the capital Addis Ababa, for Sunday's gathering. The 2017 Irreecha is expected to be the biggest yet in terms of attendance.

At last year’s Irreecha, security forces unleashed tear gas on peaceful protesters in a confined space, triggering a chaotic dash for the narrow exits, which left hundreds crashed to death inside deep ditches. It became a turning point for then-year old anti-government #OromoProtests forcing the regime in Addis Ababa to declare a nationwide 10-month-long state of emergency.

Tensions remain high ahead of Sunday’s festival. The Oromia regional government says the festival would be overseen by traditional Oromo Gadaa leaders. As per the agreement, no armed security forces are allowed near the site of Irreecha. Instead, unarmed Oromia police and youth appointed by the Gadaa leaders will enforce protect festival goers and ensure orderly celebration. However, a statement from the federal government yesterday has implied that federal police and the military will be deployed to perform searches at checkpoints on the perimeters of Irrechaa has raised concerns about yet another deadly provocation. Oromia insists that its police, the Oromo public and youth members selected for security the Irreecha site are sufficient. It is urging all parties, including the federal government, to honor the agreement made with Gadaa leaders.

This is a LIVE blog. We will continuously update this post through Sunday afternoon with images, analysis, and reports from Bishoftu and around the world.

"The security forces’ disastrous and disproportionate use of force should not be repeated this year,” said Felix Horne, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. "With longstanding grievances still unanswered, this year’s Irreecha could be fraught with tensions. The government and the security forces should take all steps necessary before and during the festival to protect human life and de-escalate tensions.”

What is Irreecha?

Irreecha, or thanksgiving, is the most important annual festival of the Oromo people and it celebrates the end of the months-long rainy season and the upcoming harvest.

While traditionally a time to give thanks and pray for prosperity and abundance, it has increasingly been an opportunity for the Oromo to assert their identity and criticize government policies they say marginalize them.

Source-www.opride.com