Government demonstrations in Ethiopia against foreign interference in Tigray

Thousands of citizens in cities across Ethiopia organized demonstrations today, Saturday, against outside interference in the country’s internal affairs.

The demonstrations included the federal capital, Addis Ababa, and were organized by the city authorities, two years after the outbreak of the war in the Tigray region in the north of the country.

Some protesters carried banners accusing the United States of disrespecting Ethiopian sovereignty, while others blamed Tigrinya leaders in leak.

“We are eager to reassure the world that we are always on its side and support the government’s appeal to our sovereignty,” said Ganterar Abay, Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa, referring to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

“We oppose any threat or interference in the unity of Ethiopia and ask the intervening countries to abstain,” he added.

Demonstrations were organized in view of the expected start of the interviews of pace next week in South Africa between the parties in war.

On Friday, the United States said it supported the African Union’s efforts to broker talks to stop fighting in Tigray.

Diplomats expressed concern over reports of civilian casualties in theareawhere the Ethiopian federal army this week took control of the main city of Shire, and the federal government has declared its goal to seize Tigray’s airports and institutions.

Eritrean forces are fighting alongside the Ethiopian federal forces in Tigray.

US officials called on Eritrean forces to withdraw from Tigray and urged the parties to accept an immediate ceasefire.

Samantha Power, administrator of the US Agency for International Development, described the human cost of the conflict as “staggering”.