AMN PLUS-October 2, 2026
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) extended his best wishes to Ethiopians celebrating Irreecha, describing the festival as a symbol of peace and Gadaa as a civilization.
In his message, the Prime Minister said the Oromo people mark the transition from the rainy season to Birraa (spring) by coming together and following their traditional customs to express gratitude to their Creator for safely passing through the difficult rainy season and to look ahead with hope.
“Congratulations on safely passing through the difficult rainy season and reaching the bright season of Birraa,” he said.
The Premier said that as the darkness of the rainy season gives way to the rising sun of Birraa, people gather and proceed to the Malkaa, or riverbank, where the thanksgiving ceremony begins.
According to Prime Minister Abiy, fathers express their gratitude by saying “Mareehoo,” while mothers say “Araroo” as they offer thanks to God.
He also conveyed his congratulations to those celebrating Irreecha, saying, “Irreecha is peace! Gadaa is civilization! Ethiopia’s civilization is inevitable!”
