Somali Region activists, ONLF representatives, Tigray advocacy groups, and civil society organizations call on the European Union to address alleged abuses, displacement, and political repression in Ethiopia

BRUSSELS — May 13, 2026

A demonstration was held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in front of the European Parliament building in Brussels to raise concerns over the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia. The protest brought together members of the Somali Region diaspora, representatives of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), the Somali Region Rights and Development Association (SRDA), the Congress for Somali Cause (CSC), and Tigray advocacy and diplomatic groups based in Europe.

Participants called on the European Union and the international community to increase attention to what organizers described as worsening human rights conditions and political tensions in Ethiopia, particularly in the Somali Region, Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Gambella, and other parts of the country.

Concerns Over Elections and Administrative Changes

One of the central issues raised during the demonstration was the upcoming Ethiopian elections organized under the Prosperity Party (PP). Protesters alleged that the transfer of 106 electoral posts from the Somali Region to the Afar Region was conducted without proper consultation or constitutional basis, describing the move as politically motivated and harmful to local representation.

Speakers at the rally argued that such decisions risk increasing tensions between communities and undermining public confidence in electoral and administrative institutions.

Natural Resource Exploitation and Environmental Concerns

Demonstrators also criticized what they described as unregulated exploitation of natural resources in the Somali Region, particularly referencing the proposed Goda fertilizer project. Organizers claimed the project lacked adequate environmental safeguards, transparent feasibility studies, and meaningful community consultation.

Activists emphasized that the Somali Region is predominantly inhabited by traditional pastoralist communities, with livelihoods closely tied to land, grazing areas, and water resources. They warned that large-scale industrial projects implemented without proper environmental and social assessments could have lasting impacts on local communities and ecosystems.

Human Rights Violations and Attacks on Journalists

Protesters also raised concerns about reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, kidnappings, and attacks targeting journalists, activists, and civilians across Ethiopia.

Speakers highlighted allegations of ongoing human rights violations affecting communities in Oromia, Amhara, Gambella, the Somali Region, and other areas experiencing instability and conflict. Demonstrators warned that continued repression and political violence risk deepening divisions and worsening the humanitarian situation across the country.

Participants further expressed concern over the safety of journalists, human rights defenders, and political activists, calling for accountability, protection of freedom of expression, and independent investigations into reported abuses.

Calls for Attention to the Situation in Tigray

The protest also highlighted the ongoing humanitarian and political challenges in Tigray. Demonstrators called for:

• The lifting of restrictions affecting civilians
• The safe and dignified return of displaced Tigrayans
• Respect for constitutional rights and regional self-governance
• International support for the restoration of the elected Tigray regional administration

Participants expressed solidarity with civilians affected by conflict and displacement across Ethiopia.

Concerns Over Ethiopian Migrants in Saudi Arabia

In addition, protesters raised concerns regarding the treatment of Ethiopian migrants in Saudi Arabia, including reports of executions and detention cases involving Ethiopian nationals. Organizers urged Ethiopian authorities and international institutions to engage diplomatically to protect vulnerable migrants and ensure due process.

Call for Unity Among Democratic and Human Rights Actors

Demonstrators also called for greater unity and cooperation among Ethiopian human rights activists, civil society organizations, and political actors from all communities.

They argued that coordinated efforts are needed to prevent further atrocities, reduce the risk of wider conflict, and address what they described as a looming humanitarian crisis affecting multiple regions of Ethiopia.

Appeal to the International Community

The demonstration concluded with calls for stronger international engagement on Ethiopia’s internal crises, including independent human rights monitoring, constitutional accountability, and inclusive political dialogue.

Participants urged the European Union, African Union, and international human rights organizations to prioritize civilian protection, democratic rights, and peaceful conflict resolution throughout Ethiopia.