Ethnic Unrest Over The Killing Of Ethiopian Singer Hachalu Hundessa Has Left At Least 166 People Dead Since Monday

Reuters: Uneasy calm in Ethiopia after protests, official death toll doubles

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - More than 166 people were killed during anti-government protests in Ethiopia last week, the government said on Sunday, as the capital and other hotspots remained closely guarded by security forces and a blanket Internet shutdown entered its sixth day.

Large protests broke out in Addis Ababa and spread to the surrounding Oromia region on Monday night after popular Oromo musician Haacaaluu Hundeessaa was shot dead by unknown gunmen in a killing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said was “an evil act”.

Haacaaluu sang in the Oromo language of Ethiopia’s biggest ethnic group. His killing tapped into grievances fuelled by decades of government repression and what the Oromo describe as their historic exclusion from political power.

The government initially said 80 people had been killed during the protests, which lasted for two days. The unrest is the deadliest since Abiy, who is Oromo, took power in 2018 with the promise of wide ranging reforms.

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More News On This Week's Deadly Ethnic Violence In Ethiopia

Hachalu Hundessa: Ethiopia singer's death unrest killed 166 -- BBC
166 die during protests after shooting of Ethiopian singer -- The Guardian/AFP
Ethiopia: At Least 150 Killed in Clashes Following Death of Outspoken Singer -- VOA
More than 160 killed in Ethiopia protests over singer's murder -- Al Jazeera
How Hachalu Hundessa's murder reveals Ethiopia's political divide -- Al Jazeera

Coup Attempt Against The Amhara Regional Government In Ethiopia Has Failed

CNN: Ethiopia says coup attempt in Amhara region has failed

Ethiopian officials say a coup attempt on Saturday against the Amhara regional government has failed.

"We confirm there has been a coup attempt against the leadership of the Amhara regional state," said Ethiopian Press Secretary Negussu Tilahun.

He said the coup attempt in Bahir Dar, the regional capital, had failed.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a tweet that federal police have been authorized to "take action on the instigators."

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Update: Ethiopia says coup attempt against leader of Amhara state failed (Reuters)

WNU editor: The last thing that Ethiopia needs right now is a fracturing of the country.

Update #2: Ethiopia PM Says Nation's Army Chief of Staff Shot - Reports (Sputnik).

Ethiopian Prime Minister Escapes Grenade Attack That Killed One And Wounded Scores Of Others

Reuters: Ethiopian PM escapes rally grenade attack that kills one, wounds scores

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Six suspects are being investigated over a grenade attack on Saturday at a rally by new Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed that left one person dead and scores wounded.

The attack was launched moments after 41-year-old Abiy, a former soldier who took office in April, finished his speech to tens of thousands of people gathered in the center of the capital Addis Ababa.

Earlier, a witness saw Abiy whisked away by guards. Another witness told Reuters the assailant with the grenade had been wrestled to the ground by police before it exploded.

“Six suspects are currently under investigation for involvement in the attack,” the Federal Police Commission said in a statement.

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More News On Today's Grenade Attack Targeting Ethiopia's New Prime Minister

The Latest: Police say 6 arrested after Ethiopia blast -- AP
1 dead after attack at huge rally for Ethiopia’s new PM -- AP
Ethiopia: One dead and dozens hurt in grenade attack at pro-PM rally -- BBC
Ethiopia grenade blast kills one, injures 83 at rally for new Prime Minister -- ABC News Online
One dead, scores injured in grenade blast at Ethiopia PM's rally -- AFP
Ethiopia: Grenade attack caused blast at rally for PM Abiy Ahmed -- Al Jazeera
Blast at rally for new Ethiopian prime minister sparks panic -- DW
Blast at Ethiopian PM's rally sparks panic: AFP -- AFP
Ethiopian prime minister vows to stick to reforms after explosion at rally -- The Guardian

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Has Resigned Over Deadly Protests

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn oversaw a smooth handover on the death of former Marxist rebel Meles Zenawi

The Independent: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn resigns over deadly mass unrest

Protests have disrupted life and business in one of Africa's fastest-growing economies

The Prime Minister of Ethiopia has submitted a letter of resignation to the country's parliament, saying he was standing down as both the country's leader and chairman of the ruling coalition over a long period of deadly protests.

Hailemariam Desalegn said he felt it was "vital" to step aside to allow reforms. "Unrest and a political crisis have led to the loss of lives and displacement of many," he said.

Mr Hailemariam's surprise resignation comes amid the worst anti-government protests in 25 years.

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More News On Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Resigning Over Deadly Protests

Ethiopian prime minister resigns following mass protests -- AFP
Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Desalegn submits his resignation -- Africanews
Ethiopia's prime minister submits resignation letter: Report -- Fox News
Ethiopia's leadership in flux as prime minister resigns suddenly -- Financial Times

Deadly Ethnic Violence Erupts In Southern Ethiopia

Ethiopia Erupts In Deadly Ethnic Violence -- Al Jazeera

At least 18 people killed and scores displaced in clashes between two tribes in the country's south, aid agency says.

Ethnic clashes in southern Ethiopia have left 18 dead and scores displaced, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS).

The Ethiopian government, however, told the AFP news agency the situation was under control, saying the spat was over "administrative claims" by the two sides.

Fighting between the Borana and Garri tribes erupted on Thursday in an area about 1.6km from the Kenyan border, between the Borana and Garri tribes over a land dispute, KRCS said in a statement on Sunday.

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More News On Ethiopia's Growing Ethnic Violence

Ethnic clashes kill 18 Ethiopians, displace thousands -- Reuters
30,000 Enter Kenya to Escape Ethiopian Ethnic Clash -- Voice of America
Ethiopia: 20,000 flee Moyale clashes - Red Cross -- BBC
Border fighting leaves 18 dead, thousands displaced -- Capital FM
Ethnic clashes spur Ethiopia refugee surge -- UPI