Anger erupts after shooting of singer

THE fatal shooting of a prominent Ethiopian singer in the capital Addis Ababa sparked rising tensions in the city yesterday, with calls for demonstrations circulating online.

Hachalu Hundessa was shot and killed in the city’s suburb of Gelan Condominiums on Monday evening.

Yesterday, the internet was shut down, major roads were blocked, tyres were burnt, and smoke was seen billowing across the city.

The embassy said Hundessa’s supporters had blamed security forces and assume a political motive for the crime. Hachalu’s music is considered by many to advocate the rights of Ethiopia’s Oromo ethnic group, the largest in the multi-ethnic state, who believed they were being neglected by government.

Abiy, who is also Oromo, is regarded as a reformer and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year for his attempts to pacify the region.