SALALE – The vibrant Irreecha festival was joyfully celebrated in the Jidda district of the Salale region, uniting the community at the historic Malkaa Sirxii.

The ceremony was graced by a broad cross-section of the community, including Abbaa Gadaa Goobanaa Hoolaa, the Haadholii Siiqqee (women bearing the Siinqee staves), the Warra Bokkuu, the Abbootii Shanan Jiddaa Oromo, elders, religious leaders, and youth.

The event also welcomed natives and lovers of Jidda from various places, all participating in the festive gathering. This year’s Irreecha at Malka Sirxii was opened by the Abbootii Gada and the mothers of Siinqee, who blessed the proceedings.

The celebration was noted for its warmth and beauty, with community members adorned in a dazzling array of traditional costumes, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Oromo people.

The Irreecha festival is eternally etched in the hearts and minds of the Oromo people—a timeless tradition celebrated with unwavering spirit and joy.

FINFINNE – The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) is finalizing its preparations for the upcoming 7th round of national elections and is collaborating with the National Election Board to meet all requirements, according to a statement from the party.

The announcement was made by OLF Member Secretary-General Jaal Abdii Raggaasaa during a meeting at the party’s headquarters in Gullalle. He outlined the party’s strategic direction, emphasizing member duties, organizational growth, and the current political landscape.

On Party Building and Member Duties

Jaal Abdii Raggaasaa stressed that every member has a fundamental duty to recruit and mentor new members, beyond their assigned roles. “If the organization is not built, it cannot grow,” he stated, challenging each member to personally recruit at least ten individuals to strengthen the party’s structure.

He connected personal experience to collective success, noting that individuals bring diverse characteristics to the struggle. “From individual to group or union, there are those who take responsibility in the OLF struggle and bring results,” he said.

On Political Vigilance and Internal Security

The Secretary-General issued a stern warning against internal division and espionage. He urged members to report any individuals suspected of spying on the party for the government.

He also condemned members who work in multiple places or factions, describing such behavior as self-destructive. “The Irbuu (oath) is devouring,” he said, warning that those who take an oath of allegiance cannot stand in “two or three places.” He urged introspection, asking members to question their contribution to the collective cause.

On the National Political Context

Jaal Abdii Raggaasaa addressed the ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia, expressing the participants’ concern that the war could expand into Oromia. He asserted that the OLF would not allow “Northerners to take over the country again,” and would not be a passive observer if any forces attempted to enter Oromia.

Regarding international influence, he pointed out that no one in Africa comes to power without the will of Western governments. However, he added that the OLF does not believe Western governments are currently willing to empower either Tigray or Amhara factions at the expense of Oromia.

He concluded by reaffirming the party’s position: “The OLF is in a good position, and we must fulfill our duty by turning our existence into action. The struggle is to give priority to the people first of all and to work for the interest of the people rather than personal interest.”

The meeting concluded with participants affirming that an “awakened nation is built and the built is united,” underscoring the theme of unity and mobilization.