ONM-ABO April 1, 2026
Members of the Oromo community in the United Kingdom have staged a demonstration in London condemning what they describe as escalating human rights atrocities in Oromia under the Prosperity Party (PP) administration.
The protest, held on March 30, 2026, drew Oromo residents and youth who voiced their outrage through written slogans and chants, seeking to draw international attention to alleged abuses including arbitrary detentions, forced conscription, gender-based violence and forced displacement of indigenous farmers.
Protesters specifically condemned the targeting of Oromo youth and farmers, claiming that detentions are followed by coercive transfers to military training camps in violation of international law. They also highlighted the rise in sexual violence against women and the loss of ancestral lands and livelihoods.
A central demand of the gathering was for Colonel Abiy Ahmed to face justice before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his alleged role in the atrocities. Demonstrators also urged the UK government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cease financial and political support to what they called an “imperial dictatorship”, arguing that such aid inadvertently fuels oppression.
Slogans displayed at the protest directly implicated “Fanno” as a terrorist entity, demanding its immediate withdrawal from Oromia. Loud calls were made for truth and justice regarding the unresolved assassinations of prominent Oromo figures Batte Urgeessa and Hacaalu Hundeessa, alongside pleas for the unconditional release of all political prisoners held on suspicion of supporting the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
Chants underscored a deep commitment to self-determination, with phrases including “Oromia will not be sold!”, “Let the borders of Oromia be respected!”, “Oromia is a country!”, “Finfinne belongs to Oromia!” and “Oromia will be free!” echoing through the streets.
Protesters also warned against the legitimisation of what they described as “fraudulent elections”, insisting that genuine peace and stability must be established before any electoral process proceeds.
The demonstration served as a call to the broader Oromo diaspora and the international community to exert sustained pressure on both the PP government and Amhara insurgent groups to end their campaign of terror in Oromia, organisers said.
