Ethnic attacks erupt in Ethiopia

Government officials said that ethnic-based attacks in the outskirts of Ethiopia’s capital have killed several people and caused hundreds to flee their homes.

The head of the Oromia Police Commission confirmed that 70 suspects had been arrested.

Alemayehu Ejigu said: “The perpetrators are criminals organised in groups to kill people and cause damages to the properties of targeted citizens. This is a shameful act.”

The killings were denounced by Ethiopia’s new, reformist leader.

Police said the attacks started late on Saturday afternoon in the Burayu and Ashewa Meda areas just outside of the capital. They did not confirm what prompted the violence.

Scores of Addis Ababa residents demonstrated in front of the state broadcaster calling for the perpetrators, whom they suggested were youths from the surrounding Oromia region, to be brought to justice.

Some locations in the north and north-western parts of Addis Ababa remained tense yesterday. City officials visited the displaced yesterday morning pledging support.