Tens of thousands vow to defend Ethiopia capital

Tens of thousands of Ethiopians vowed to defend the capital from advancing rebels during a pro-military rally on Sunday where attendees dismissed diplomatic efforts to end the year-long war.

The rally in central Addis Ababa was the latest attempt to shore up public support for the conflict against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and allied groups.
It came five days after the government declared a nationwide state of emergency ostensibly to protect civilians from the TPLF, which has claimed key gains in recent days while floating a possible march on the capital.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into Tigray last November in response to a TPLF attack on federal troops based in the state.
In June, the rebels rejected a government ceasefire and attacked the neighboring regions of Afar and Amhara.

Addis Ababa mayor Adanech Abebe said in a speech that Ethiopia’s foes were trying to “terrorise our population”.
She claimed they say Addis Ababa is surrounded, but Addis Ababa is only surrounded by its incredible people, by its vigilant, heroic children.

She was particularly critical of the US government, which last week announced plans to boot Ethiopia out of a vital trade pact because of rights abuses related to the war.