Ethiopia: Singer’s Death Sparks Deadly Protests
At least eight people have died and dozens of others have been injured during protests following the death of a prominent Ethiopian singer.
On Monday evening, 29 June, Hachalu Hundessa – a 34-year-old singer known for his political songs centred around anti-government oppression and the rights of the country’s marginalised Oromo people – was shot dead in Addis Ababa.
Suspects who have been arrested in connection with the killing have yet to be identified.
Hundessa’s death has since prompted thousands of fans nationwide to partake in protests over racial tensions, albeit at a fatal cost: in the city of Adama, five people died after being shot by security forces during demonstrations and 75 others were injured.
In Chiro, two more people were also shot dead by security forces, while another was fatally stabbed in West Hararghe.
On Facebook, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed condolences over the killing of Hundessa while also calling for calm.
He wrote: “We understand the gravity of the situation, and we are paying attention and monitoring activities in the country. We should express our condolences while protecting ourselves and preventing further crimes.”
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