The city of Axum in Ethiopia’s Tigray region witnessed protests organized by Muslim female students in response to a decision prohibiting the wearing of hijabs in certain educational institutions.

Protesters emphasized that the ban has barred them from attending school and violated their constitutional rights to education and religious freedom.

Haji Mohammed Kahsay, Secretary of the Islamic Affairs Council in Tigray, said that the policy contradicts Ethiopia's constitution, which guarantees religious freedom, and accused school officials of politicizing the issue.

“Educational institutions should provide a safe environment for all students, regardless of their religion. Instead, these policies exclude students and violate their rights,” he added.

Local reports indicated that some teachers barred hijab-wearing students from attending classes, raising widespread concerns within the Muslim community. These protests come amid growing calls for respecting the rights of Muslim female students and ensuring their religious freedoms in public schools.

The city of Axum is home to numerous mosques and educational institutions and is considered a symbol of religious coexistence in Ethiopia. However, recent policies have sparked fears of increasing discrimination against Muslims in the region.