Anyhoo, Ethiopian state media will likely flood the airwaves with headlines of the Ethiopian masses supporting the government and urging rebels to surrender. Might have worked in the 70ies...less convincing when threatening letters go viral on social media.
Anyways...the consensus is that the rally is for the consumption of:
1. World Bank lenders, to convince them that the military offensive is a popular one.
2. Emmanuel Macron, who arrives in the country on Friday.