Today anti-foreign meddling rally was staged in Addis Ababa. In this huge rally, which was organized by the Ministry of Youth, hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians took to the streets to protest against the United States imposing restrictions on economic and security assistances over the conflict in Tigray and show support for the Ethiopian government’s positions. The protesters filled Addis Ababa Stadium and the surrounding streets.
In this well-organized and peaceful demonstration, some protestors were carrying banners written in English, Arabic and Amharic, one of the widely spoken languages in the country. One banner declared “Ethiopia does not need (a) caretaker”, while others denounced “western intervention”. Some of the messages displayed on placards at the rally includes “We demand the US to rethink its stance on Ethiopia,” “We will never kneel down for external pressure,” “We elect our leaders,” and “It is my dam”. Other banners have messages read “Ethiopia doesn’t need a guardian”, “We demand the US to rethink its stance on Ethiopia”.
The protesters were not only criticizing the Unites States government stance for its Tigray Policy but also show of praise and respect to Russia and China by displaying pictures of President Vladimir Putin of Russia and China’s leader Mr. Xi Jinping.
Adanech Abebe, mayor of Addis Ababa, in her speech at the rally said, “We will never kneel down. The preconditions and travel restrictions by the US and its allies are completely unacceptable. It needs to be corrected.”
There has been mounting pressure on the Ethiopian government from the international community over the conflict in Tigray. Both sides in the conflict have been accused by human rights groups of committing crimes against civilians, including mass killings and rape. On Wednesday U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing concern about the violence and human rights abuses in Tigray, urging the parties to declare a cease-fire and engage in negotiations to restore peace.
Abiy’s government denounced the U.S. sanctions as “a resolve to meddle in our internal affairs” and warned Addis Ababa could be forced to reassess its bilateral relationship with Washington.
