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Arrests announced as death toll rises in Ethiopia attack
ADDIS ABABA, June 24, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – The death toll from a grenade
attack on a pro-government rally in Ethiopia’s capital climbed to two on
Sunday, a cabinet minister said, as police announced arrests over the blast.
“I’m so sorry to learn that we have lost another Ethiopian victim of
yesterday’s attack,” health minister Amir Aman tweeted.
“My sincere sympathy and condolences to the family, friends and all
Ethiopians.”
The blast occurred in a packed public square as Ethiopia’s new prime
minister Abiy Ahmed was wrapping up a speech before tens of thousands of
people.
The ensuing chaos injured more than 150 people and marred an event meant
to build public support for Abiy’s ambitious reform agenda.
State-run Ethiopian News Agency reported police had arrested six people
suspected of involvement in the blast, but gave few details.
No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Abiy took office in April after years of anti-government unrest that
pushed his predecessor to resign and the government to declare a nationwide
state of emergency.
He’s since announced plans to liberalise the economy and reconcile with
neighbouring arch-enemy Eritrea.
Abiy also lifted the state of emergency and released scores of jailed
dissidents.
Ethiopia is completely controlled by the secretive Ethiopia People’s
Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), and its unclear how much support Abiy
has within the party.
The 42-year-old former government minister and army officer is the first
prime minister in modern Ethiopia from the country’s largest ethnicity the
Oromo, which spearheaded the anti-government protests.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1513 hrs