In a speech transmitted in the station, ETV Abiy called the explosion at the event in the capital Addis Ababa on Saturday a “well-orchestrated attack”.
Those behind it would desperately try to disrupt the peace, the ruling coalition EPRDF said. But this reprehensible act will not stop the current reforms in the country.

The explosion came shortly after Abiy’s speech at the rally. Someone had tried to throw a grenade towards the stage where the head of the government was sitting, said Seyoum Teshome, one of the organizers of the rally, the German Press Agency. However, some people could have prevented the person from doing so. Abiyi remained unharmed.

After the incident, nine police officers were arrested, including Deputy Chief of Police in Addis Ababa, reported the TV channel ETV. In what context the police officers should stand with the deed remained unclear at first.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the act as an “act of violence”. Guterres had heard with deep concern about the incident and show solidarity with the citizens and the government of Ethiopia, said Guterres spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.