Bishoftu, Ethiopia Stampede: 52 Dead During Anti-government Protest At Annual Irreecha Festival (photos)

Protest At Annual Irreecha Festival

Fifty-two people were reportedly killed and many more injured in Ethiopia's Oromia region during a protest at a religious festival, the government says.

Thousands of people had gathered for the annual Irreecha festival of thanksgiving in the town of Bishoftu, about 40 km (25 miles) south of the capital Addis Ababa.

The state broadcaster put the death toll at 52, citing regional officials. The opposition also said at least 50 people were killed at the annual festival where some people had chanted slogans against the government and waved a rebel group's flag.

Crowds at Sunday's Oromo festival chanted "We need freedom" and "We need justice", preventing community elders, deemed close to the government, from delivering their speeches.

Stampede at Bishoftu, Ethiopia

Sporadic protests have erupted in Oromia in the last two years, initially sparked by a land row but increasingly turning more broadly against the government. Since late 2015, scores of protesters have been killed in clashes with police, reuters reported.

According to BBC news report, police responded after anti-government protesters threw stones and bottles, but others said demonstrators were entirely peaceful.

Some died in a stampede after police employed tear gas, rubber bullets and baton charges, witnesses said.