Thousands of people gathered in Meakle Square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday (22 April) protesting the killings of 30 Christians, many of them Ethiopians, by the Islamic State (Isis) in Libya, as well as offering their condolences to families of the victims.
A 29-minute video released online on Sunday (19 April), reportedly made by Isis, showed around 12 men being killed on a beach, and around 16 people being shot in the head in a desert area.
Ethiopia has confirmed many of the Christians shown being shot and killed in the video were its citizens. Militants claimed the victims were killed in Libya.
I cant express my feelings with words. They will be judged by God. They killed my little brother and many more of our countrymen. I dont know what to say because Im so sad right now. I also want to thank the people who helped us at this most difficult time, said a relative of the victim at the memorial ceremony.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn addressed the crowds saying that the country will fight against terrorism with whatever it takes.
Terrorist acts, whether committed by IS or Al-Shabaab, should be repelled by all peace-loving people and governments. Our country will use all its potential to participate in all activities and fights to halt these barbaric acts, Desalegn said.
The video has triggered fury among Ethiopians who said that the slaughter of more than 30 innocent people cannot go unanswered.
We have to fight. We have to head to Libya. Its not far away and we will avenge the blood of our brothers. As one of the strong military states in east Africa, Ethiopia should take measures to stop these horrendous inhuman acts and they should be punished by our government, said a mourner at the memorial ceremony.
Ethiopia will fly its national flags at half-mast for the next two days to honour the victims.
