Ethiopia arrests 500 ahead of major Oromo festival

Authorities in Ethiopia’s most populous state Oromia say they have arrested more than 500 people who they allege were working to cause disturbances during the annual Irreecha thanksgiving festival, observed by the Oromo, the country’s largest ethnic group.

Kenyans online have criticised the government's aim to relocate a mature fig tree that is along the planned route of a new highway under that's construction.

South Africa has opened its borders to travellers from all African countries, but has retained restrictions against countries with higher coronavirus infection rates including the UK, the US and Russia.

(Photo: Last year, the festivities attracted huge crowds in Addis Ababa. Credit: Getty Images)