By Deputy Inspector Dawit Ergete

ADDIS ABABA — The Addis Ababa Integrated Security Task Force announced Wednesday that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure the peaceful conclusion of the upcoming Irreecha Hora Finfinne festival, following a high-level security coordination meeting held at the Addis Ababa Police Headquarters.

The discussion, convened on September 30, 2026, brought together senior leadership from across Ethiopia’s security and safety institutions to finalize a comprehensive security plan for one of the capital’s most significant cultural celebrations.

Senior Leadership in Attendance

The meeting was attended by Lt. Gen. Asrat Denero, Commander of the Addis Ababa Police Headquarters; Ms. Lidiya Girma, Head of the Addis Ababa Peace and Security Administration Bureau; Deputy Commissioner Tofik Meded, Commander for Crime Prevention; Deputy Commissioner Erzik Essa, Commander for Crime Investigation; Major Zerihun Tefera, Director General of the Addis Ababa City Administration Regulation Enforcement Authority; and Assistant Commissioner Dereje Shiferaw, Commander of Sheger City Police.

Also present were senior leadership from central and sub-city police commands, the heroic National Defense Force, Federal Police, National Intelligence and Security Service, Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission, Sheger City Administration Police, and high-ranking officials from various other security and safety institutions.

24/7 Operations Emphasized

Lt. Gen. Asrat Denero, Commander of the Addis Ababa Police Headquarters, attributed the successful and incident-free conclusion of past events in Addis Ababa to the commitment of security forces at all levels and the city’s peace-loving residents.

He emphasized the need for round-the-clock operations—beyond the usual routine—to ensure the upcoming Irreecha Hora Finfinne festival proceeds peacefully.

“Our security forces should welcome and serve guests arriving in our city for the holiday with a spirit of hospitality, while also noting that our screening procedures must be strict and professional,” Lt. Gen. Asrat stated.

Sustaining Momentum from Meskel-Demera

Ms. Lidiya Girma, Head of the Addis Ababa Peace and Security Administration Bureau, stressed that given the need for exceptional coordination during this period, the rigorous security measures implemented during the Meskel-Demera festival must be sustained and further strengthened for the Irreechaa festival and the government formation assembly.

She called for robust deployment of security forces, urging that it be “consistent and proven effective.”

Vigilance Against Infiltration

Deputy Commissioner Abera Hunde, Head of the Ethiopian Federal Police’s Security Institutions Protection Directorate, warned that strict security checks must be conducted, as individuals intending to cause security disruptions could infiltrate the crowds entering holiday celebration venues.

He further explained that monitoring and control measures would be implemented against individuals selling unauthorized emblems and flags incorporated into decorations and clothing.

Joint Coordination with Oromia Security Structures

Security officials participating in the meeting stated that they are working jointly with the Oromia Sheger City Administration’s police and security structures—including by organizing in shifts—to ensure the festival concludes in complete peace, much like the Meskel Demera celebration.

Public Advisory Issued

The Addis Ababa Police Headquarters has advised that to ensure the event concludes peacefully, the possession of banned or unauthorized flags, as well as T-shirts or materials bearing inflammatory slogans, is prohibited.

The headquarters further urged the public to report any suspicious activity via the “Citizen Engagement Application” (EFPApp) or by calling the toll-free lines 990 and 991, or 0111110111.

The Irreecha Hora Finfinne festival, a vibrant cultural and thanksgiving celebration of the Oromo people, draws hundreds of thousands of attendees to the capital annually. Authorities have expressed confidence that this year’s event will proceed smoothly, building on the successful security outcomes of recent national celebrations.