Whether it was a mistake or intentional; either way, Deputy President Shimelis Abdissa’s comments raise serious questions that require some explanation. He also stated that the Oromo had been denied the opportunity to celebrate the Ireecha Festival for the last 150 years. One of the biggest mistakes done at this Ireecha celebration was the glaring absence of any Ethiopian flag, even the current flag of the EPRDF. It can be especially dangerous in a country like Ethiopia where ethno-nationalism and conflict is on the rise. Add to that ethnic federalism, ethnic-based political parties, regional states, banks, ID cards with ethnicity, sports clubs and so on—all geared to an ethnic group.

Source: Ethiopian News October 07, 2019 18:11 UTC