Allegations Surface Over Organized Groups Causing Violence at Irreecha Festival

A report alleges that masked and unmasked groups involved in violence and assaults against participants at the Irreecha festival were organized through the Oromia Prosperity Party and Youth League structure. According to the claims, individuals were recruited from various zones and woredas across Oromia, including West Shewa and Shegar City, and transported to Addis Ababa with state-funded allowances. The report states that the groups were stationed at party offices and the Oromia Cultural Center before being deployed to Meskel Square. They allegedly chanted pro-government slogans, disrupted non-political cultural performances, and physically attacked youths using sticks, causing division and tension among attendees. Critics argue that securing the festival should have been entrusted to traditional Gadaa leaders (Foollee) and regular police rather than politically mobilized groups.