Oromo elders in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, have called for peace, unity and dialogue as renewed fighting continues in the country's north.

The calls came during the annual Irreecha thanksgiving festival, where hundreds of thousands gathered to celebrate Oromo culture and traditions through music, dance and traditional ceremonies.

The elders urged those involved in the conflict to resolve their differences through dialogue, warning that internal divisions could leave Ethiopia vulnerable to external threats.

Police maintained a visible presence at Meskel Square and Irreecha Park during the celebrations.