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'AFew People' Killed at Political Rally in Ethiopia

by VOA News

   Ethiopia's new prime minister had just finished his speech at a rally
   in the capital Saturday when an explosion went off.

   The state broadcaster quickly cut away as Abiy Ahmed was rushed off the
   stage at Addis Ababa's Meskel Square where thousands had gathered to
   hear the young politician who was dressed in a cowboy hat and a
   T-shirt.

   Afterward, the prime minister said "a few people" were killed in the
   blast and others were injured.

   In a televised interview following the explosion, Abiy said the
   incident was "an unsuccessful attempt by forces who do not want to see
   Ethiopia united."

   "Love always wins. Killing others is a defeat," he said. "To those who
   tried to divide us, I want to tell you that your have not succeeded."

   'Major changes

   Fitsum Arega, the prime minister's chief of staff, posted on Twitter
   that the explosion was caused by a grenade.

   Since Prime Minister Abiy took office in April, he has made major
   changes to the country, including releasing almost all jailed
   journalists, dropping charges against activists critical of the
   government and moving to liberalize the economy.

   He has also pledged to work towards reconciliation with rival Eritrea,
   by implementing a long-ignored 2002 border demarcation. Eritrean
   President Isaias Afwerki this week described the peace overtures from
   Ethiopia as "positive signals."

   "For the past 100 years, hate has done a great deal of damage to us,"
   Abiy said at the rally, adding that more reforms are needed. "Ethiopia
   will be on top again, and the foundations will be love, unity and
   inclusivity."

   The White House said Thursday that it was encouraged by recent progress
   Ethiopia and Eritrea have made toward resolving their longstanding
   differences. A statement described the leadership of Abiy and Isaias as
   "courageous."

   Media restrictions dropped

   Ethiopia's government also says it has removed internet restrictions on
   246 websites and TV channels.

   Prime Minister Ahmed's chief of staff, Fitsum Arega, announced the news
   on Twitter Friday, saying "freedom of expression is a foundational
   right."

   "A free flow of information is essential for engaged and responsible
   citizenry.

   Only a free market of ideas will lead to the truth," he added.

   The unblocked news sites include two prominent pro-opposition sites --
   the Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT), based in Amsterdam, and the
   Oromia Media Network (OMN), based in Minnesota.

   Many of the unblocked news sites are run from overseas.

   The media rights group, the Committee to Protect Journalists, welcomed
   the decision Friday.

   "Allowing Ethiopians to access these news outlets is a positive sign
   that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is committed to delivering his promise
   to end Ethiopia's censorship of the independent press," said CPJ Africa
   Program Coordinator Angela Quintal.