Addis Ababa, July 17, 2026 (FMC) — The Addis Ababa Police has announced temporary traffic restrictions and road closures ahead of a public rally scheduled to take place tomorrow at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa to condemn forced child conscription, mass mobilization and violence being committed against the people of the Tigray region by the defunct TPLF group.
The public rally, organized by the Tigray Peace and Change Council, will begin at 6:00 AM with the objective of protesting the worsening situation in the Tigray region, informing the federal government and the international community, and calling for measures to address the crisis.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Addis Ababa Police said roads and routes leading to Meskel Square will be closed to vehicles from 5:00 AM until the conclusion of the program to ensure the smooth conduct of the rally and maintain public safety.
Accordingly, traffic restrictions will be implemented along several major routes leading to Meskel Square, including:
- The route from Megenagna through 22 Square to Meskel Square will be closed at St. Urael Church Square.
- The Bole Road route towards Meskel Square will be closed at Olympia Roundabout.
- The Gotera–Meskel Square route will be closed for heavy vehicles at Agona Cinema intersection and for light vehicles at Tilahun Roundabout.
- The road from Mexico Square towards Meskel Square will be closed at Legehar traffic light.
- The route from the Legehar Telecom crossing to Addis Ababa Stadium will be closed at the Legehar Telecom crossing.
- The road from Arat Kilo towards Meskel Square will be closed near the National Palace.
- The Kazanchis route through Mekrez Hospital towards Meskel Square will be closed near Mekrez Hospital.
- The road from Ambassador Theater towards Meskel Square will be closed at the traffic lights around Harambe Hotel.
The Police further announced that vehicle parking at Meskel Square and surrounding areas will be prohibited starting from 6:00 PM on Friday, July 17, 2026, as part of preparations for the event.
The Tigray Peace and Change Council had earlier announced that the public rally would be held to condemn forced military mobilization and recruitment activities by the defunct TPLF group in the Tigray region and to call for an end to the situation. The council called on residents of Addis Ababa and surrounding areas to participate in the rally.