Safety caution for Ethiopia

The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa has issued a notice that the Oromia regions will celebrate the annual Irreecha from 1 to 8 October. Large numbers of people are expected in the area of Lake Arsede, Bishoftu (Debre Zeit), and surrounding areas. 

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Travellers should be aware of the risk of stampedes. In 2016, police fired tear gas at protesters, starting a stampede at the Irreecha. About 50 people died in this stampede. Avoid travel to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) and surrounding areas until the end of the celebration.

There is a risk of ongoing civil unrest in Ethiopia. The Irreecha is an important holiday of thanksgiving, however, it has become an opportunity for the Oromo people to protest government policies. Recently, there has been both sporadic and spontaneous civil unrest in the Oromia region with armed conflict around the border areas between the Somali and Oromia regional states. Avoid all unnecessary travel to the area.