FBI to help probe into Ethiopia rally blast

The US is sending the FBI to help investigate a grenade attack in Addis Ababa which killed two people at a rally addressed by Ethiopia’s reformist prime minister, state media said Monday.

“The US government said it will send FBI experts to investigate Saturday’s bomb blast at a rally organised to support [the] reform agendas of Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed,” state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate said.

A spokesman for the US embassy in Addis Ababa confirmed the FBI’s involvement.

On Monday, an AFP photographer saw four people who did not appear to be Ethiopian combing the site of the blast while a US embassy vehicle was parked nearby.

Thirty people have so far been arrested over the attack that took place as Abiy concluded a speech promoting his reformist policies before a crowd of hundreds of thousands in the capital’s Meskel Square.

Saturday’s explosion sparked panic in the crowd, resulting in a stampede and more than 150 injuries.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack.

Rally organiser Seyoum Teshome earlier told AFP he saw police scuffle with a person attempting to hurl a grenade at the stage Abiy had spoken from.

Nine officers have also been arrested for negligence, including the deputy commissioner of the Addis Ababa police.

Since taking office in April, 42-year-old former cabinet minister and army officer Abiy has initiated unprecedented reforms that have been broadly welcomed but have upset the status quo.

He has released jailed journalists and opponents, agreed to cede contested territory to Eritrea, admitted that security forces tortured dissidents and begun to open up the state-controlled economy.

These moves have boosted his popularity among Ethiopians.

But it remains unclear how much support he has within the secretive ruling Ethiopia People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition, which wields absolute power in Ethiopia. </s> FBI investigators will help Ethiopia probe a deadly grenade attack which left two people dead at a massive rally for Ethiopia's prime minister in the capital over the weekend.

More than 150 people were also injured in the blast, which appeared to target Abiy Ahmed just as he was wrapping up a speech to a cheering crowd of hundreds of thousands in the heart of Addis Ababa.

"The US government said it will send FBI experts to investigate Saturday's bomb blast," State-affiliated Fana Broadcast Corporate reported, without giving further details.

A spokesman for the US embassy in Addis Ababa confirmed the FBI's involvement.

An AFP photographer on Monday saw four people who did not appear to be Ethiopian combing the site of the blast while a US embassy vehicle was parked nearby.

Ethiopian security forces have arrested 30 people suspected of involvement in the blast, though no party has claimed responsibility.

Nine police officers have also been detained for failing to prevent the attack, including the capital's deputy police commissioner.

Rally organiser Seyoum Teshome earlier told AFP he saw police scuffle with a person attempting to hurl a grenade at the stage Abiy had spoken from.

It then detonated in the crowd, sparking panic and a stampede that injured scores.

The attack was a rare act of violence in the heavily policed capital but does not appear to have derailed the reform agenda of Abiy, who took office in April.

On Monday, Fana reported that a delegation from neighbouring Eritrea was due in Addis Ababa this week, in what would be a rare diplomatic meeting between the long hostile neighbours.

Eritrea and Ethiopia have been at loggerheads for years over Addis Ababa's refusal to withdraw from territory a United Nations-backed boundary commission says belongs to Eritrea.

Earlier this month Abiy reversed that policy, saying Ethiopia would respect the demarcation handed down after a 1998-2000 war between the two countries that killed an estimated 80,000 people.

In the past it would not have been surprising for Eritrea to be blamed for an attack such as Saturday's. Both countries have hosted rebel groups bent on overthrowing the others' government but Abiy's moves have calmed tensions.

Last week the Ginbot 7 radical opposition group said it would stop attacks on Ethiopia to support Abiy's reforms, and later even issued a statement condemning the Meskel Square attack.

The Eritrea rapprochement is one of several changes Abiy has made since the ruling Ethiopia People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) selected him to take over following his predecessor's surprise resignation.

Abiy has since released jailed journalists and dissidents, admitted that security forces tortured people and begun to open up the state-controlled economy.

These moves have boosted his popularity among Ethiopians.

The 42-year-old former army officer and cabinet minister is the first prime minister in modern Ethiopia from the country's largest ethnic group the Oromo.

The Oromos along with the second-largest the Amharas staged months of anti-government protests starting in late 2015 that prompted the government to declare a 10-month state of emergency in October 2016.

The unrest along with disagreements within the EPRDF over how to deal with it prompted Hailemariam Desalegn to resign the prime minister's post last February.

A secretive coalition of four ethnically based parties, the EPRDF controls every seat in parliament and wields unchecked control of Ethiopia's institutions. Abiy's level of support within the party leadership remains unclear. </s> The Latest: Police say 6 arrested after Ethiopia blast

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — The Latest on rally for Ethiopia's reformist new prime minister (all times local):

Police in Ethiopia say six people have been arrested and are under investigation after a deadly explosion at a huge rally for the new prime minister.

At least one person died after a thwarted attempt to throw a grenade at Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led to an explosion in the crowd.

The health minister says 155 people were injured, including nine in critical condition.

The prime minister's chief of staff says on Twitter that Abiy later visited some of the victims in hospital "and offered his heartfelt encouragement."

Tens of thousands of people had gathered in an enthusiastic show of support for a wave of reforms since Abiy took office in April.

Ethiopia's health minister says one person has died after an explosion at a huge rally for the country's new prime minister.

Health Minister Amir Aman confirms to The Associated Press that the person died in a hospital after the attack. It is the first confirmed death; Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in an address to the nation shortly after the blast said "a few people" had died, but police later reported no deaths.

Reports of the number of people injured vary. Police have said more than 100, while Abiy's chief of staff cites reports from police and hospitals in saying 83 people were hurt, with six in critical condition.

Tens of thousands of people had gathered in Addis Ababa's Meskel Square in an enthusiastic show of support for a wave of reforms since Abiy took office in April.

A witness near the scene of a deadly blast at a huge rally for Ethiopia's new prime minister says the man who tried to throw the grenade was wearing a police uniform.

Abraham Tilahun tells The Associated Press that other police officers restrained the man from throwing the grenade as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was waving to the crowd of tens of thousands.

"Then we heard the explosion," Abraham says. "I'm sure those who died there were also policemen who tried to prevent the attacker."

The prime minister in an address to the country shortly after being hurried to safety said "a few people" had been killed and others injured.

An organizer of the huge rally for Ethiopia's prime minister where a deadly explosion occurred says someone in the crowd had tried to throw a grenade at the stage.

"The prime minster was the target," Seyoum Teshome tells The Associated Press. "An individual tried to hurl the grenade toward a stage where the prime minister was sitting but was held back by the crowd."

Seyoum says three suspects, two men and a woman, were immediately arrested.

Minutes after being swept to safety, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told the nation that "a few people" had been killed and others injured. He called the blast a "well-orchestrated attack" that failed.

The blast occurred shortly after Abiy addressed the tens of thousands of people who had gathered in support of the sweeping reforms since he took office in April.

Ethiopia's reformist new prime minister is calling the deadly explosion that disrupted a huge rally of supporters a "well-orchestrated attack" but one that failed.

A grim-faced Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in an address to the nation shortly after the blast says "a few people" were killed and others injured. The attack occurred as he was waving to the crowd of tens of thousands.

Abiy has not blamed anyone for the blast that he calls "cheap and unacceptable." Police are investigating.

The prime minister adds: "Love always wins. Killing others is a defeat. To those who tried to divide us, I want to tell you that you have not succeeded."

Ethiopians heartened by a wave of reforms under Abiy had packed Meskel Square in a show of support with numbers unseen in recent years in the East African nation.

Ethiopia's reformist new prime minister says "a few people have lost their lives" and others have been injured in the explosion that went off shortly after he spoke to a huge rally of supporters in the capital, Addis Ababa.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is addressing the nation as police investigate the blast that occurred just after he finished speaking and was waving to the crowd of tens of thousands.

An Associated Press reporter has seen more than a dozen injured people.

Ethiopians heartened by a wave of reforms under Abiy had packed Meskel Square in a show of support with numbers unseen in recent years in the East African nation.

The rally has now broken up with people singing, chanting and going back to their homes.

Ethiopia's reformist new prime minister is expected to address the nation shortly after an explosion disrupted a huge rally where he had been addressing supporters.

An Associated Press reporter has seen more than a dozen injured people. Footage showed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed being rushed from the scene by security guards.

One organizer of the rally, Seyoum Teshome, says on Facebook that "Prime Minister Abiy and other guests who came in attendance are all fine."

The blast occurred just after Abiy finished his address and was waving to the crowd of tens of thousands in a packed square in the capital, Addis Ababa.

The state broadcaster quickly cut away from coverage of the rally, which has broken up with people singing, chanting and going back to their homes.

An explosion has disrupted a large rally by supporters of Ethiopia's new, reformist prime minister, with the state broadcaster reporting that a few people have been injured.

Ambulances are at the scene in packed Meskel Square in the capital, Addis Ababa, where Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been addressing thousands of supporters.

The explosion occurred shortly after Abiy finished speaking and was waving to the crowd.

The 42-year-old Abiy took office in April and quickly surprised Africa's second most populous country by announcing a wave of political and economic reforms.

Ethiopians heartened by a wave of reforms under a new prime minister have packed a square in the capital in a show of support with numbers unseen in recent years in the East African nation.

In a cowboy hat and T-shirt, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is addressing the crowd in Addis Ababa's Meskel Square as supporters wear clothes displaying his image and carry signs saying "One Love, One Ethiopia."

The 42-year-old Abiy took office in April and quickly surprised Africa's second most populous country by announcing the release of tens of thousands of prisoners, the opening of state-owned companies to private investment and the unconditional embrace of a peace deal with rival Eritrea.

The United States is among those expressing support for the changes in a key security ally. </s> ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Thirty people have now been arrested over alleged involvement in a grenade attack that killed two people at a rally in the Ethiopian capital attended by new prime minister Abiy Ahmed, police said on Sunday.

More than 150 were wounded in Saturday's attack, which took place moments after Abiy had finished a speech in Meskel Square in the centre of Addis Ababa.

The rally, attended by tens of thousands, was in support of Abiy's push for radical political and economic reforms, including a peace deal with regional arch-enemy Eritrea.

Security officials have not said publicly who might be responsible for the attack.

Health Minister Amir Aman said on Twitter that as of 2.30pm local time on Sunday, two people had died and there were 156 wounded, with six in critical condition.

"I'm so sorry to learn that we have lost another Ethiopian victim of yesterday’s attack," he said.

Nine police officials, including the deputy head of Addis Ababa's police commission, have been arrested for what authorities said were security lapses.

"The number of suspects in custody for involvement in the attack in Meskel Square has now reached 30," Zeinu Jemal, head of the Federal Police Commission, told the state-owned Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation. Zeinu did not give further details.

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. </s> Athwarted attempt to hurl a grenade at Ethiopia’s reformist new prime minister led to a deadly explosion Saturday at a massive rally in support of sweeping changes in Africa’s second most populous country. Nine police officials were arrested, state media reported.

Police in Ethiopia say six people have been arrested and are under investigation after a deadly explosion at a huge rally for the new prime minister.

At least one person died after a thwarted attempt to throw a grenade at Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led to an explosion in the crowd.

6 people have been arrested and are under investigation after a deadly explosion at a huge rally.

The health minister says 155 people were injured, including nine in critical condition.

Witnesses said a man tried to throw the grenade at the stage as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed waved to the cheering crowd of tens of thousands shortly after he made a strong appeal for unity following months of anti-government protests.

Addressing the nation minutes after he was rushed to safety, Abiy called the blast a “well-orchestrated attack” but one that failed. He did not lay blame and said police were investigating. At least one person was killed and 155 people were hurt, nine critically, Health Minister Amir Aman said.

“The prime minister was the target,” a rally organizer, Seyoum Teshome, told The Associated Press. “An individual tried to hurl the grenade toward a stage where the prime minister was sitting but was held back by the crowd.”

The man with the grenade was wearing a police uniform, witness Abraham Tilahun told the AP. Police officers nearby quickly restrained him, he said. “Then we heard the explosion.”

Nine police officials were arrested, including the deputy head of the capital’s police commission, state broadcaster ETV reported.

AP video from the scene showed bloodstained ground and abandoned shoes while people chanting the prime minister’s name fled, some clutching their heads in shock and despair.

“I’ve never thought this day will come in Ethiopia. I’m very emotional right now”

The attack was “cheap and unacceptable,” the prime minister said, and added: “Love always wins. Killing others is a defeat. To those who tried to divide us, I want to tell you that you have not succeeded.”

The ruling party in a statement blamed “desperate anti-peace elements” and vowed to continue with the country’s reforms. The explosion in packed Meskel Square in Addis Ababa followed weeks of dramatic changes that shocked many in the East African nation after years of anti-government tensions, states of emergency, thousands of arrests and long internet shutdowns.

The 42-year-old Abiy took office in April and quickly announced the release of tens of thousands of prisoners, the opening of state-owned companies to private investment and the unconditional embrace of a peace deal with rival Eritrea. Websites were unblocked and opposition figures were invited to dinner. Ethiopians said they could hardly keep up with the pace of change.

Saturday’s rally began as a show of exuberance, with supporters wearing clothes displaying Abiy’s image and carrying signs saying “One Love, One Ethiopia.”

Informal in a neon green T-shirt, Abiy told the tens of thousands of supporters that change was coming and there was no turning back.

“For the past 100 years hate has done a great deal of damage to us,” he said, stressing the need for even more reforms.

After the explosion the state broadcaster quickly cut away from coverage of the rally, which broke up with people singing, chanting and going back to their homes.

“I’ve never thought this day will come in Ethiopia. I’m very emotional right now,” said supporter Mulugeta Sema, who wore a T-shirt with the new leader’s image and spoke before the blast. </s> 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.

* Sign up to News24's top Africa news in your inbox: SUBSCRIBE TO THE HELLO AFRICA NEWSLETTER

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. </s> 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.

Event organiser Seyoum Teshome on Saturday told AFP police grappled with someone attempting to hurl a grenade at the prime minister as he concluded his speech.

 The explosive detonated amid the scuffle, though most of the injuries were caused in the ensuing panic, he said. </s> 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. </s> 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. </s> A second person has died after a deadly grenade attack in Ethiopia’s capital on Saturday which injured more than 150 people at rally attended by new prime minister Abiy Ahmed.

On Sunday, police were at the scene of the attack gathering evidence, officials told Reuters.

Nine police officials, including the deputy head of the capital Addis Ababa’s police commission, have been arrested for what authorities said were security lapses.

Six other suspects are being held over links to the attack that occurred in a square where tens of thousands of supporters had gathered, although security officials have not said publicly who might be responsible.

Health Minister Amir Aman said on Twitter that as of 11 am on Sunday, two people had been killed and 156 wounded, with five of them in critical condition.

“I’m so sorry to learn that we have lost another Ethiopian victim of yesterday’s attack who was in ICU at Black Lion Hospital,” he said.

The attack took place moments after Abiy had finished his speech in Meskel Square in the center of Addis Ababa.
The Ethiopia Federal Police Commission announces the arrests of 30 people suspected of involvement in a bombing of a rally for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The attack killed two and injured 156. The United States announces the deployment of FBI specialists to assist the probe.