RALLY BLAST Shocking Moment Grenade Was Hurled Towards Ethiopia’s New Prime Minister Leaving Several Dead

The explosion may have been an attempt to assassinate new Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, according to reports

By Bradley Jolly
Sun
23rd June 2018, 10:53 am

THIS is the shocking moment an explosion rocked a massive rally by supporters of Ethiopia's new prime minister, leaving several people dead today.

The blast, believed to have been caused by a grenade, may have been an attempt to assassinate reformist leader Abiy Ahmed, according to reports.

Dramatic footage captures Ahmed being rushed from the scene in Ethiopian capital's Meskel Square as thousands of people panic in horror.

The 41-year-old, who became prime minister in April, says “a few people” are dead.

Dozens of others have been seriously hurt.

People on social media reported buildings and ambulances had caught fire after the explosion.

Others said "shots had been fired".

Mr Ahmed, who has three children, said: "Today was a day for unity, and the day love was raining, although forces who don't want to see this amazing day have tried to stop this.

"There are a few death, and wounded during this attack.

"This action will not derail the peace that is ongoing in Ethiopia right now."

He sent condolences to families of those who were killed.

The politician is the country's first leader from the ethnic Oromo group, which has been at the centre of nearly three years of anti-government protests.

However, today's demonstration was organised in support of the dad to three.

Authorities are still investigating the blast.