Declaring that the sun of civilization is officially rising over Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed marked the arrival of the Birra season and the celebration of Irreecha with a call for national unity, reconciliation, and economic renewal. In his holiday address issued under the theme “Irreecha is Peace! Gada is Civilization! Ethiopia’s Civilization is Inevitable!”, the Prime Minister congratulated citizens on safely passing through the difficult rainy season and entering a period of hope, noting that as the winter darkness clears, the Oromo people gather in unity at the river (Malka) for traditional thanksgiving rituals.
Describing the festival's traditions, Prime Minister Abiy noted that fathers reciting "Marehoo" and mothers reciting "Araaroo" offer gratitude to the Creator while descending to the river. He drew a direct comparison between the heavy rains, floods, mud, and restricted movement of the winter season and Ethiopia’s long-standing economic, political, and administrative struggles. Despite a grand history, abundant natural wealth, and a strategic global location, he reflected that the country historically struggled with poor systems and mismanagement, leaving a nation sitting on granaries hungry and people living beside water thirsty.
Just as the post-rain Birra season brings blooming flowers, fertile soil, and rich harvests, the Prime Minister emphasized that the struggle of the people has ushered in a transformative era. Under the philosophy of Medemer (Synergy), the reformist government is turning hardship into opportunity. Key milestones, including the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the successful National Dialogue, and major infrastructure endeavors such as fertilizer factories, oil projects, and the Bishoftu International Airport, serve as concrete evidence that Ethiopia is forging ahead into prosperity.
Highlighting Oromo cultural identity, the Prime Minister cited the restoration and institutionalization of Hora Finfinnee Irreecha to its river site and the grand gatherings at Hora Harsadi in Bishoftu as proof that long-standing cultural questions regarding language and heritage have been fully answered. He explained that current governance builds upon ancient values, deploying Medemer to establish cultural councils grounded in Gada and Safuu for shared knowledge, public services for collective development, and institutions for national security. Channeling the heroism of the Battle of Adwa, he affirmed that the administration continues to protect national borders while using dialogue to address political differences.
Addressing national defense and internal stability, Prime Minister Abiy strongly criticized adversaries and traitors who hold a hypocritical mindset of self-interest at the nation's expense. Reaffirming that the Oromo people have achieved liberation and that their questions will never again be settled through gun barrels or alliances with enemies, he nevertheless extended an open invitation to armed groups, quoting an Oromo proverb to emphasize that the door to peace remains open for those willing to return. He concluded by calling on the Oromo people to lead alongside all Ethiopian nations, nationalities, and peoples to build a lasting civilization, invoking traditional blessings of Kallacha and Caaccuu for a peaceful, unified, and blessed Ethiopia.
