Addis Ababa, June 23, 2018 (FBC) – Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed today visited victims of today’s bomb blast.

He first visited the victims admitted to the Black Lion Hospital.
On the occasion, the Premier offered his heartfelt encouragement.
He told them they represent the true spirit of love, forgiveness, and togetherness.
He is currently visiting victims in other hospitals.

Addis Ababa, June 23, 2018 (FBC) –The Council of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has condemned today’s grenade attack at a public rally in Addis Ababa.

One person has been killed and 83 others injured in the attack during a rally in support of the reform agendas of Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed.
“The development, peace and democratic reforms launched in the country won’t be deterred by the evil act of anti-peace forces,” said the Council in a statement issued today.
“This cowardly attack won’t pull us back; it would rather strengthen our unity,” it said in the statement.
Appreciating the great commitment demonstrated by Ethiopians for national consensus and unity as well as love and respect for their leader, the Council urged them to stand with the ruling party and the leader.
It also called on the people to stay calm and continue their day-to-day activities.
The Council finally extended condolences to the victims and their families as well as to the people of Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, June 23, 2018 (FBC) –The Addis Ababa police commission said 83 people were injured in today’s explosion at a rally organized to show support to reforms undertaken by Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed.

The explosion occurred shortly after the Premier finished addressing the crowd gathered at the Meskel square.
Deputy Commissioner of Addis Ababa Police Commission, Girma Kassa, said 15 people injured seriously.
According to him, police were investigating the cause of the incidents.
No death has so far been reported.

Addis Ababa, June 23, 2018 (FBC) –Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed has expressed his condolences to families of those injured in today's explosion.

The incident was orchestrated by those groups who wanted to undermine the rally, the Prime Minister said in live TV broadcast.
“All victims are martyrs of love and peace,” the Premier said.
“Love always wins,” he said.
Police were investigating the cause of the incident, according to the Prime Minister.
The Premier further said perpetrators will face justice.
He finally called on the people to stay united for the success of the ongoing reforms.

[Reporter] Nine security officials including the deputy commissioner of Addis Ababa Police Commission have been detained in relation to the Saturday June 23, 2018 bomb explosion at the rally held in Addis Ababa in support of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD).

[RFI] Addis Ababa -A deadly explosion struck a huge rally for Ethiopia's reformist new prime minister on Saturday shortly after he spoke and was waving to the crowd that had turned out in numbers unseen in recent years in the East African nation.

[African Union] The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has learned with shock and dismay of the attack that took place today during a peaceful rally in Addis Ababa in support of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's reform agenda. He strongly condemns this cowardly attack against civilians at a peaceful rally under the banner of peace and reconciliation.

[Ethiopian Herald] More than 3 million people are expected to participate in the rally that will take place at Mesqel Square today in recognition and support to the achievements and extraordinary actions of Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, according to Government Communication Affairs Office (GCAO).