By GEBREHIWOT HAILESLASE
A major global virtual protest was held on Saturday, June 7, against Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, drawing thousands of participants from across the Ethiopian diaspora and international human rights communities.
Branded as “100,000 Voices for Peace,” the event aimed to spotlight alleged human rights violations under the current Ethiopian administration.
Broadcast live on platforms including YouTube and Rumble, the digital protest brought together voices from North America, Europe, and Australia, as demonstrators demanded accountability for government actions, particularly in the war-torn Amhara region.
Key Accusations
Participants cited a series of serious allegations against Abiy Ahmed’s government, including:
Extrajudicial killings and forced displacement in the Amhara region;
Suppression of political opposition and media;
The detention of journalists without trial;
A broader crackdown on civil liberties and ethnic minorities.
Mass killings of civilians via drone attacks
“We are here to expose the atrocities happening in Ethiopia. The world must know the truth,” said Kidus Tekleyohannes, an Ethiopian journalist and human rights activist participating in the protest.
Global Participation
The virtual protest saw engagement from Ethiopians and supporters across continents, including North America, Europe, and Australia. The event demonstrated the power of digital platforms in mobilizing global advocacy for human rights and democratic reforms in Ethiopia.
As the situation in Ethiopia continues to evolve, organizers of the “100,000 Voices for Peace” protest have announced plans for future actions, including petitions and advocacy campaigns, to maintain international pressure on the Ethiopian government.
The virtual protest underscores the growing resolve among Ethiopians and the diaspora to seek justice and accountability for the ongoing human rights challenges facing their country.
Calls for International Action
Activists repeatedly urged the international community to intervene.
“This is not just about politics; it’s about humanity,” said a protester joining the livestream from London. “We cannot stay silent while our people suffer.”
Others echoed calls for tangible measures such as targeted sanctions and formal international investigations into alleged war crimes.
“The international community must act. Sanctions and investigations are necessary to stop the violence,” said another participant from Washington, D.C.
A Digital Frontline for Justice
The virtual demonstration illustrates a growing trend of digitally coordinated activism, especially among diaspora communities with limited access to physical protest venues.
Organizers said the use of livestreams allowed for widespread engagement and real-time sharing of testimonies, some from inside Ethiopia under anonymity for fear of reprisals.
According to organizers, the virtual protest was just the beginning.
A series of global advocacy actions are being planned, including petitions, awareness campaigns, and lobbying of international institutions such as the United Nations and the African Union.
Government Response
As of publication, the Ethiopian government has not issued a formal response to the protest.
The Prime Minister’s administration has previously dismissed similar allegations as misinformation aimed at destabilizing the country.
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have repeatedly raised concerns about abuses in Ethiopia, especially in the wake of the Tigray conflict and continued unrest in several regions.