ADDIS ABABA – Tens to thousands of Ethiopians rallied in Addis Ababa for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government, as federal troops fought rebel forces that threatened to march on the capital.

Some protestors denounced US government as one of the countries that called for ceasefire. The United States has been fighting a war since last year that claimed thousands lives and was intensified by rebel advances.

Recent days have seen the United States of America, U.N. Security Councils, Africa Union, Kenya, and Uganda call for a ceasefire.

Abiy’s government has declared that it will continue to fight. Friday’s statement by the government stated it was responsible for defending Ethiopia and called on its international partners to support Ethiopian democracy.

Many of those who gathered in Meskel Square (central Addis Ababa) wore the flag. Many cast criticism on the United States.

The administration of Joe Biden, the United States President, on Tuesday charged Ethiopia with “gross violation” of human rights and stated that it would remove Ethiopia from the African Growth and Opportunity Act trade agreement.

One protestor said “Shame upon you USA”, while another stated that the United States must stop “sucking Ethiopian blood”.

Some protestors were also angry at the U.S.’s call for negotiations between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, (TPLF), and the government.

One year ago, TPLF loyalist forces seized Tigray regional military bases. This started the conflict in north. Abiy deployed troops to the north, which initially drove the TPLF away from the capital. However, the situation has been markedly different since June.

“Why doesn’t the U.S. government negotiate with terrorists such as al Shabaab?” Tigist, 37 years old, was referring to a Somalia-based militant group that is linked to al-Qaeda.

“They are determined to take over our country, just like what they did in Afghanistan. We are Ethiopians, they will not succeed.

Adanech Abiebe, Addis Ababa’s Mayor, invoked Ethiopian history of resistance to colonial power as a justification for the war.

Conflicts have claimed the lives of thousands, forced over 2 million people from their homes, and caused Tigray to face famine.

There is no need to be a fool about the front lines

One appeal for restraint came from Tariku Gankisi, the popular singer whose songs encourage unity for all Ethiopians.

Tariku said to the crowd “Let not youth go to frontlines to fight. Let the elders leave holding fresh grass and asking for reconciliation.” Before his microphone was turned off it wasn’t clear by who. Fresh grass stands for peace in the nation.

The government declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, allowing it to instruct military-age citizens to receive training and perform military duty.

Reuters cannot confirm independent the extent and nature of the TPLF advancement. The TPLF, along with their allies, told Reuters that they are 325km (200 miles), from the capital. The government charges the group with exaggerating their gains.

The Ethiopian government also expressed concern about the foreign media’s coverage of the conflict. Some people who attended the rally displayed signs condemning fake news from Ethiopia.

Abiy spokesperson Billene Seyoum said late Saturday in a tweet (NYSE.) that “Orchestrated media propaganda against Ethiopia has escalating.” All of it will be overcome by Ethiopia, despite it!”