In October 17 2024, a significant protest was held in Stockholm, Sweden, by the Amhara Ethiopia Refugee Association against the Ethiopian government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The demonstrators strongly condemned the ongoing drone attacks and military violence that have been disproportionately targeting the Amhara ethnic group in Ethiopia. These attacks, which are part of a broader pattern of state violence against Amharas, have killed hundreds of civilians and caused widespread destruction in the region. The use of drones, coupled with extrajudicial killings and mass arrests, has drawn international criticism, and the protest aimed to raise awareness of these atrocities.
Protesters carried banners with slogans such as “Stop the Amhara Genocide” and “Justice for Amhara,” calling for international organizations like the UN to investigate and intervene. Many of the participants shared personal stories of loss and suffering, highlighting the severe impact of the violence on Amhara civilians, including mass displacements, destruction of property, and loss of life due to indiscriminate drone strikes
Protesters gathered in the city center, many holding signs that read “Stop the Amhara Genocide” and “Abiy Must Go,” calling attention to the government’s brutal crackdown on the Amhara people. The demonstrators expressed frustration with the international community’s inaction and urged global powers to intervene. I spoke with several protesters who had lost family members to the violence in Ethiopia, and their stories were heart-wrenching, reflecting the deep impact of the ongoing conflict.
Chants of “Justice for Amhara!” filled the air, alongside speeches from community leaders who called for an end to the use of drones and demanded that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed be held accountable for what they described as ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses. Many participants emphasized that the Ethiopian government’s military operations, including the use of drones, have targeted civilian areas, escalating the crisis in the region.
The Ethiopia Refugee Association, which has been active in advocating for the rights of Ethiopian refugees and displaced persons, played a crucial role in mobilizing the community and ensuring the protest’s visibility. The association’s leaders emphasized the severity of the human rights violations occurring in Ethiopia, pointing to the use of drones in densely populated areas, resulting in civilian deaths and widespread destruction. Protesters held banners demanding justice and called for international attention to what they described as genocide.
A heartfelt thank you to the Ethiopia Refugee Association for organizing this powerful and essential protest in Stockholm. Your efforts in bringing attention to the ongoing atrocities against the Amhara people in Ethiopia are invaluable. By mobilizing the community and providing a platform for victims’ voices to be heard, you have helped amplify a crucial message to the world.
