Ethiopian Army Chief Shot Dead By Own Bodyguard In Failed Coup Attempt

Ethiopia’s Army Chief-of-Staff, General Aware Mekonnen has been shot dead by his own bodyguard during a failed coup.

State media report that General Mekonnen was one of at least four senior officials who were killed. Amhara State president, Ambachew Mekonnen and his adviser were also killed.

Reports however said most of the perpetrators behind the failed coup have been arrested.

Reacting to the development, the country’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed said his government foiled a coup attempt in the region outside the capital, Addis Ababa.

He told the state broadcaster that the coup attempt was orchestrated by Amhara State’s security head, General Asamnew Tsige.

A week ago, General Asamnew had in a video spread on Facebook openly advised the Amhara people, one of Ethiopia’s larger ethnic groups to arm themselves.

 Abiy Ahmed has been attempting to implement political reforms amid widespread unrest since coming to power in April last year.

His government has released political prisoners, removed bans on political parties and prosecuted officials accused of gross human rights abuses. Despite his reconciliatory efforts, ethnic violence has flared up in many areas, including Amhara.