Addis Ababa (Halbeeg) Four people have been killed and several others were injured in an explosion that hit rally in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Prime Minister said Saturday.
The blast occurred at the rally just minutes after prime minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed at the podium to address the audience at the rally.
In a televised address shortly after the blast, the Prime Minister extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Update: 4 people are confirmed dead in the blast shortly after PM #AbiyAhmed's address was finished. Police say they treat the incident as an "assassination attempt" against PM Abiy. Here are pictures of the PM just before he delivered the speech thanking the audience. #Ethiopia pic.twitter.com/s3k43vY1lN
— Addis Standard (@addisstandard) June 23, 2018
The 41-year-old reformist vowed to stay in the course to reform the country’s political system describing the incident as “unsuccessful attempt by forces who not want to see Ethiopia United.”
“All the casualties are martyrs of love and peace,” the Premier said. “Love always wins. Killing others is a defeat.”
Here is a photo from the scene of grenade attack. Activists say at least six people hurt. Also hearing three fleeing suspects were cornered and apprehended by the public. Now in police custody. pic.twitter.com/9kdQhU8II1
— Mohammed Ademo (@OPride) June 23, 2018
Dr. Abiy is believed to have huge support among the Oromo youth as well as other ethnic groups.
Abiy was appointed the prime minister in April to quell years of protests that brought the country to the brink of collapse.
The leader has since replaced corrupt government officials; he apologized for the security forces killing of protesters.
he made a startling admission that his government tortured opponents. Tens of thousands of political prisoners have been freed.
He is the leader of the Oromo People’s Democratic Organisation (OPDO), one of the four ethnic parties which make up the ruling the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition.
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