Many Ethiopians on Saturday held rallies across cities and towns in the East African country to denounce foreign interference and pressure in the country’s internal affairs.
In Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, demonstrators gathered at Meskel Square with slogans that read “a threat to Ethiopia is a threat to the world” and “respect our sovereignty,” among others.
Speaking to the crowd, Addis Ababa City Deputy Mayor Jantrar Abay stressed that some countries need to stop meddling in the internal affairs of Ethiopia and should refrain from supporting rebel forces, in particular the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and its allies.
Participants emphasized that neither the multifaceted external pressure nor the ongoing attack by rebels would deter Ethiopians from realizing national development goals.
The deputy mayor further underscored that the sovereignty of Ethiopia must be respected, as he emphasized that Ethiopians will continue to stand in unison to safeguard the sovereignty of their country.
The nationwide public demonstration came amid mounting pressures on Ethiopia as conflict resumed in northern Ethiopia in August.
Ethiopian government officials are set to hold peace talks with Tigray leaders, organized by the African Union, on October 24 in South Africa.
