DFA Monitoring Situation of Filipinos in Ethiopia After Dozens Hurt in Blast at Political Rally

23 June 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation in Ethiopia following an explosion at a political rally in the capital Addis Ababa on Saturday that has reportedly left as many as 80 persons injured.

The DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Cairo is checking whether any of the 800 members of the Filipino Community were among those injured in the explosion.

Ambassador to Cairo Leslie Baja, who has jurisdiction over Ethiopia, said the explosion was caused by a grenade that was hurled at supporters of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who were gathered for a rally at Meskel Square.

Ambassador Baja said the Embassy has advised Filipinos in Addis Ababa to stay away from any public gatherings and to report any Filipino who may have been among those injured in the explosion. END