Stampede, gunfire hit Ethiopian festival

Deaths reported as celebration by Ethiopia's largest ethnic groups descends into violence

BUSHOFTU, Ethiopia (AA) – An unconfirmed number of deaths have been reported after a festival in Ethiopia descended into violence and protest on Sunday.

An annual thanksgiving festival of the Oromo community, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, turned into an anti-government protest as celebrants chanted "didne", an Oromiffa word meaning "enough".

The angry demonstrators in Bushoftu town, 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa chanted anti-government slogans until those who came to officiate what would have been a peaceful festival withdrew.

Several people were killed in a stampede which occurred after security forces opened fire to disperse crowds.

More information to follow.

Kaynak: