Crackdown on Waaqeffannaa Worshipers in Eastern Hararghe, Oromia On [date], police in eastern Hararghe, Oromia, launched a crackdown on Waaqeffannaa worshipers, resulting in the detention of over 80 individuals. Waaqeffannaa is an indigenous Oromo religion that centers around the worship of a supreme being known as Waaqa. It is a communal religion with a strong emphasis on harmony with nature. According to reports, the crackdown began in the town of Dire Dawa and spread to surrounding areas. Police raided homes and religious gathering places, arresting individuals suspected of being involved in Waaqeffannaa worship. The detainees include community leaders, elders, and ordinary worshipers. They have been charged with various offenses, including “affiliation with a prohibited organization” and “disturbing public order.” The crackdown has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and members of the Oromo community. They have accused the government of violating freedom of religion and targeting traditional Oromo practices. “This is a blatant attack on the religious freedom of Oromos,” said Alemayehu Teressa, a spokesperson for the Oromo Human Rights Committee. “The government must immediately release the detainees and respect the rights of all Oromos.” The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has also denounced the crackdown, calling it a “provocation against the Oromo people.” The OLF, which is a banned opposition group, has long been campaigning for the rights of the Oromo people. The crackdown on Waaqeffannaa worshipers is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in eastern Hararghe. In recent months, security forces have arrested hundreds of people, including political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. The government claims that the crackdown is necessary to maintain order and prevent violence. However, critics argue that it is being used to silence opposition and suppress minority rights.