Hundreds of Ethiopians are Protesting Against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

Almost two weeks ago, Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work towards "achieving peace and international cooperation" which included ending the border conflict with neighboring country, Eritrea. However, hundreds of Ethiopians in the Oromia region of the country as well the capital of Addis Ababa, have now taken to the streets to protest against him. According to the BBC, the protests come after prominent opposition activist and media owner Jawar Mohammed announced that the government planned to remove the security guards that were designated to him following his return from exile in the United States last year.

According to Reuters, Mohammed's house was surrounded by federal police last night following Ahmed's address in parliament earlier that day where he warned unnamed media owners against spurring civil unrest. "Those media owners who don't have Ethiopian passport are playing both ways. When there is peace you are playing here and when we are in trouble you not here." Ahmed also added that, "We tried to be patient. But if this is going to undermine the peace and existence of Ethiopia, whether you speak Amharic or Oromiffa, we will take measures. You can't play both ways."

Mohammed holds an American passport and returned to Ethiopia last year just as Ahmed had taken office. Mohammed is the founder of the independent Oromia Media and has a large following on social media platforms, all of which he has used to organize protests and promote non-violent activism.

Addis Standard reports that hundreds of Mohammed's supporters not only turned up outside his residence to show their support for him this morning, but also took to the streets to protest against Ahmed, burning several copies of his new book, Medemer, in the process. Additionally, in the Kara Qore area, a counter-protest then ensued where those against Mohammed called him a thief. Police stepped in to disperse both groups of protesters.

Neither Ahmed nor his office have issued a statement in response to the protests.