On November 16, 2024, a large-scale demonstration took place in the heart of Stockholm, Sweden, attracting attention from both local and international media. The event was organized by the International Amhara Task force, who have been increasingly vocal about the dire situation in Ethiopia under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership. The protest centered on two major issues: the Ethiopian government’s violent suppression of civilian populations, particularly in the Amhara region, and the ongoing persecution of political journalists. The demonstration also called for stronger international pressure on Ethiopia to end these abuses and restore human rights and democratic freedoms.
The protesters voiced a range of concerns
- Civilian Killings and Human Rights Violations:
- The protestors expressed outrage over the Ethiopian government’s role in the violence and suffering of civilians in conflict zones, particularly in the Amhara region. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported numerous instances of extrajudicial killings, forced displacement, and sexual violence against civilians by Ethiopian and allied forces.
- Protesters highlighted the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, noting that millions of people have been left without food, medical care, or shelter due to the ongoing conflict and blockades imposed by government forces. The demonstration emphasized the Ethiopian government’s failure to protect its citizens and to allow international aid into affected areas.
- Persecution of Political Journalists
- The arrest, detention, and harassment of political journalists has been another focal point of the protest. Over the past few years, Ethiopia has seen a sharp decline in press freedoms, with journalists critical of the government being silenced, imprisoned, or forced into exile. This is seen as part of a broader crackdown on dissent, especially targeting those who report on the atrocities committed by government forces or who challenge the political status quo.The protestors called for the immediate release of journalists, bloggers, and media personnel who have been arrested, often without trial or legal due process. Prominent cases include the arrests of journalists from both independent Ethiopian outlets and international media who have faced charges such as terrorism, incitement, or supporting rebel groups.
- Demand for International Accountability:
- In addition to domestic grievances, the demonstration also focused on the international community’s role in addressing Ethiopia’s human rights violations. The protestors called on the United Nations, the European Union, and countries like Sweden to take a stronger stance against the Ethiopian government’s abuses. This includes pushing for accountability measures, such as sanctions against the government, an independent investigation into war crimes and human rights violations, and greater diplomatic pressure on Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to end the violent suppression of opposition voices and civilians.
- Several protestors carried banners and placards bearing messages such as “Justice for Ethiopia” and “International Accountability Now,” urging the Swedish government to push for actions such as freezing assets and imposing targeted sanctions on key government officials.
The demonstration on November 16, 2024, served as a powerful expression of the Ethiopian diaspora’s frustration with the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and its ongoing abuses. It succeeded in raising awareness about the human rights situation in Ethiopia, garnering attention from international media, and calling for concrete actions from governments and organizations worldwide.
The organizers of the event indicated that this protest is just one of many steps in a larger campaign to hold the Ethiopian government accountable. They announced plans for future actions, including petition drives, advocacy campaigns, and additional protests in Sweden and other European capitals. Their ultimate goal is to pressure the international community to act decisively to prevent further atrocities in Ethiopia and ensure that the government of Abiy Ahmed is held accountable for its actions.
As the international community continues to monitor Ethiopia’s crisis, this demonstration reaffirmed the resolve of those affected by the conflict and the repression in Ethiopia to continue pushing for justice and human rights.
