Ethopia’s military chief shot dead by bodyguard in his home as government quashes attempted coup

Ethiopia's government have quashed an attempted coup.
AP

Ethiopia’s military chief was shot dead by his own bodyguard at his home in Addis Ababa.

Army chief Gen Seare Mekonnen was killed along with a retired general visiting his home, the prime minister Abiy Amed announced on Sunday.

It followed a foiled government coup in Bahir Dar in the Amhara region north of the capital, where soldiers attacked a building in which a meeting of regional officials was taking place.

At least two other officials are among the victims of the attack, Nigussu Tilahun, spokesman for the prime minister, told a news conference.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announces a failed coup as he addresses the public on television
AP

The failed coup in the Amhara region was led by a high-ranking military officer and others within the military, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, wearing military fatigues, announced on the state broadcaster.

In Amhara itself, regional governor Ambachew Mekonnen was killed along with an adviser.

The violent attack in Bahir Dar was linked to the subsequent assassination of Gen Seare Mekonnen, said Mr Nigussu.

"There is a link between the two attacks," he said.

The attack in Bahir Dar was allegedly led by a renegade brigadier who had recently been pardoned by Ethiopia's prime minister after being jailed for some offences.

Most of the perpetrators of the attack in Bahir Dar have been apprehended and others are being hunted down, said the spokesman.

The US Embassy reported gunfire in the capital Saturday and urged people to be careful.

In Bahir Dar residents told The Associated Press they could still hear gunshots late Saturday. Ethiopia's internet appeared to be shut down on Sunday.

The attempted coup in Amhara is the latest challenge to Abiy, who was elected last year as a reform-minded young leader.

Abiy has captured the imagination of many with his political and economic reforms, including the surprise acceptance of a peace agreement with bitter rival Eritrea, the opening of major state-owned sectors to private investment and the release of thousands of prisoners including opposition figures once sentenced to death.

Along the way he has faced some challenges. In June 2018, only months in office, an attempt to hurl a grenade at Abiy caused a deadly explosion at a massive rally in support of the sweeping changes in Ethiopia. Nine police officials were arrested over that incident, state media reported.

In October rebellious Ethiopian soldiers protested over pay, causing a security incident in the capital. Ethiopia's army is one of the largest in Africa.

The country is a key regional security ally for the United States and others in the restive Horn of Africa region.

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