Thousands of Ethiopians March Against ’ISIL

Local Editor

Thousands of people had marched in the Ethiopian capital in a government-organized rally condemning the murder of a group of Ethiopian Christians by "ISIL" militants in Libya.

The official rally appeared to be aimed at channeling public anger sparked by the killings, with a huge crowd beginning to gather shortly after dawn in Addis Ababa's huge Meskel Square. However, some demonstrators directed their anger at the government.

Furthermore, the murders had horrified Ethiopians and sparked global condemnation, including from Pope Francis who expressed his "great distress and sadness".

The "ISIL" video, released on Sunday, showed militants in Libya holding captives who they described as "followers of the cross from the enemy Ethiopian Church".

It showed one group of about 12 men being beheaded on a beach and another group of at least 16 being shot in the head in a desert area.

"We gather to commemorate the innocent children of Ethiopia butchered by terrorism and burned to death by xenophobia," said one speaker on the podium, also referring to the wave of violence against immigrants in South Africa.

Moreover, protesters responded by singing, "Enough immigration! Change our country by staying home."
A large number of Ethiopians leave their country - Africa's second largest in terms of population with more than 90 million people - seeking work elsewhere.

At least two of those killed were trying to cross to Italy when they were captured, their families had said.

In addition, many travel to Libya and other North African nations for jobs, as well as to use it as a stepping stone before risking the dangerous sea crossing to Europe.

Europe's southern shores had been swamped with migrants fleeing war and hardship, hundreds of whom have died in a string of tragic shipwrecks.

""ISIL" doesn't Represent Islam," read one banner held by protestor.

"Our peace and our unity will never be broken by the extremists," another read.

But despite a heavy police presence, several anti-government slogans were heard.

"We are tired of speeches and propaganda! We want action! Revenge for our brothers!" shouted a group of youths, who were quickly surrounded by a police cordon.

"Ethiopia sent troops to Somalia, Liberia, Burundi, but the government is not capable of protecting its own citizens!" shouted one protestor, referring to its peacekeeping roles in the African Union or United Nations.

"Where is the African Union? Where are the Ethiopian defense forces?" a placard carried by a poster read, written in English.

Police fired a few rounds of tear gas at some rowdy groups with the demonstration ending before midday.

The rally came a month before Ethiopia holds parliamentary elections, the first since the death of long-time leader Meles Zenawi. However, current Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn faces little if any opposition challenge.

Accordingly, the government had promised to help repatriate migrants who were still in Libya and had warned its citizens not to go to areas where "ISIL" Takfiri group is active.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team