Thousands demonstrated today, Tuesday, in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, calling for the return of those displaced due to the two-year war in the area and for the withdrawal of foreign troops that have been present since the end of the conflict. The war between government forces and their allies from Eritrea and the neighboring Amhara region on one side and Tigray forces on the other ended in a ceasefire last November after tens of thousands were killed. Millions were forced to leave their homes, including hundreds of thousands displaced from disputed territories between the Tigray and Amhara regions, where their security forces and militias continue to occupy the area.
Relief workers stated, "Eritrean forces are still present within Ethiopian territory in several border towns, and the Eritrean government has refused to comment on the matter." Peaceful protesters gathered today in several major cities, including the regional capital Mekele, Adigrat, and Shire. Footage broadcast by Tigray TV, which is controlled by the party governing the region, showed demonstrators holding signs that read, "The invaders must leave our homeland." Hinok Helof, who participated in the protest in Mekele, told Reuters, "About 3,500 to 4,000 are protesting there."
