Ethiopians denounce US Addis Ababa | new protests at the pro-government rally

More than 10,000 protest economic and security sanctions against Ethiopia in the U.S. over the Tigray conflict.

Protesters in favor of the Ethiopian government have denounced the United States imposing restrictions About aid to the Tigray conflict, at a huge rally organized by the authorities to appear in favor of their positions.

More than 10,000 people gathered at the rally on Sunday, some carrying banners written in English, Arabic and Amharic. “Ethiopia does not need (a) guards,” a banner said at the Addis Ababa stadium, while others have denounced “western intervention”.

A sign saying “Fill the dam” was also seen, a reference to a huge Nile dam against Egypt and Sudan.

“We will never get on our knees. The conditions and travel restrictions imposed by the US and its allies are completely unacceptable. It needs to be addressed, ”Adanech Abebe, the mayor of Addis Ababa, said at a rally organized by the youth ministry.

The demonstration was larger than typical pro-government rallies, and public criticism of the U.S. was rare.

Ethiopia is stepping up international pressure over the conflict in the northern Tigray region, where it sent troops to and from neighboring Eritrea last year to bring regional authorities to power.

One week ago, the United States imposed restrictions on economic and security aid to Ethiopia. Washington has also said it will ban current or former Ethiopian or Eritrean officials who are blamed for the crisis.

The crisis began in November after former Ethiopian leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) allegedly ordered an attack on an Ethiopian army base in the region.

The Ethiopian leader, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, quickly sent troops to the TPLF from major cities and towns, but there is still reports of fighting throughout Tigray.

There have been gang rapes, extrajudicial killings and expulsions part of the violence Tigray, according to victims, witnesses, local authorities and support groups. It is estimated that thousands of people have been killed.

The war has displaced more than 2 million people.

Disorder in “internal affairs.”

Abiy’s government complained of U.S. sanctions He warned that the “decision to interfere in our internal affairs” could force Addis Ababa to re-evaluate its bilateral relationship with Washington.

Nejash Sheba, a 23-year-old Addis Ababa shopkeeper and member of Abiy’s Prosperity Party, told Reuters news agency that local officials had ordered him to organize people around him, and that he had brought another 100 people to the rally.

A protester in support of the Addis Ababa government has the Ethiopian national flag [Tiksa Negeri/Reuters]

“I came here to show my support for the Prosperity Party and to denounce the restrictions that America has placed on Ethiopia.”

$ 4 billion compliance The great dam of the Ethiopian Renaissance it has also sparked international conflicts.

Ethiopia says dam electricity is necessary for economic development; They say it violates their rights to the Nile waters down the river in Sudan and Egypt.