On Sunday, Sept. 27, members of Northern Ireland’s Orange Order attempted the controversial Drumcree parade for the first time in 30 years, which would take them through Garvagny road. The Orange Order are a Fraternal Protestant group, who support Northern Ireland’s union with Britain. Garvagny road was the scene of several violent outbreaks in 1986 during the riots, and now runs through a densely Catholic and Irish nationalist area.
The Orange Order was finally permitted to begin the parade in a final decision made early Sunday morning. However, the Order stayed at Drumcree church as nationalist protesters blocked Garvagny road, preventing the march. Police initially resisted calls to break up the protest citing concerns over escalation, but managed to clear protesters from the road.
Still, tensions continued to rise the following Monday as the Orange Order again attempted to march, only to be prevented by a line of police land rovers. The participation of Sinn Fein vice-president and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill raises concerns about a collapse of the power sharing coalition in the Northern Irish Assembly, and it is unclear whether or not the Orange Order will at all be permitted to march.
With files from the BBC, CBC, and The Guardian.
