Addis Ababa (SD) – Thousands of pro-Ethiopia protesters took to the streets of the Somali region and the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The rally was against foreign interference in the internal affairs of Ethiopia and the development of the country.

Protesters carried banners in support of Ethiopia’s disputed Nile dam.

Protesters also carried pictures of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, a reflection of the deteriorated relations between Ethiopia and the United States, once a close ally.

Demonstrations are also taking place in parts of the Somali Regional State, including the town of Degahbur.

Regional State-run SRTV reported that protesters were chanting slogans against anyone who was unhappy with Ethiopia’s progress.

The United States recently imposed travel restrictions on Ethiopian officials after the government was accused of continuing human rights abuses against the Tigrean people.

The Ethiopian government fought against TPLF forces who rejected a Abiy Ahmed’s term extension and postponement of the country’s elections.