Attacker misses PM, but many hurt at rally
The blast came just as the master of ceremonies was welcoming viewers from abroad and said in English that ‘‘this is the day that Ethiopia has become proud.’’
The sound of the live broadcast on state television cut after the blast, and people in the crowd could be seen craning their heads in the direction of the sound.
Photos on social media after the attack showed scattered clothes on the ground, a few motionless bodies and people crying.
Local media have quoted police in saying the incident is being treated as an assassination attempt.
In the aftermath of the attack, police scuffled with angry protesters and then cleared the square with tear gas.
Nine police officials were later arrested, including the deputy head of the capital’s police commission, citing state broadcaster ETV.
The man with the grenade was wearing a police uniform, witness Abraham Tilahun said. Police officers nearby quickly restrained him, he said. ‘‘Then we heard the explosion.’’
Abiy, who was inaugurated in April, has embarked on a string of rapid reforms that have stunned the nation, including releasing tens of thousands of prisoners, replacing key generals in the army, dampening ethnic tensions in the country and promising to liberalise the economy.
The rally was in part to express popular support for the reforms, such as peace overtures to its once bitter enemy Eritrea, including promises to give up territory currently held by Ethiopia. –