Abbaa Gadaa Geetu Taliila Issues Call for Peace and Reconciliation During Irreecha

In an interview with BBC Afaan Oromo regarding the first Irreecha festival of their Gadaa tenure, Abbaa Gadaa Tuulamaa Geetu Taliila shared key messages focused on peace, reconciliation, and unity. Addressing the security challenges in the Oromia region, he emphasized that lasting peace must begin at home through individual self-reconciliation, forgiveness within households, and peace among neighbors before extending outward. He stated that the primary purpose of going to the water bodies (malkaa) for thanksgiving is to pray for unity, love, and a shared vision among all people. Abbaa Gadaa Geetu also highlighted efforts to register Irreecha as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage, urging participants to strictly observe traditional values, dress, and discipline. He called on the Oromo community and all attendees to preserve the core ethics and cultural practices of the festival to enhance its global recognition.