166 killed in Ethiopia unrests over singer death

At least 166 people were killed in violent protests sparked after a popular singer's death in Ethiopia, according police.

Girma Gelam, Oromia region's police deputy commissioner, said 156 people including 1 members of security forces have died in the riots.

Besides, Police in Addis Ababa said on Tuesday that 10 people were killed in the riots, including two police personnel.

Hachalu Hundessa, 34-year-old singer, was shot to death in the capital Addis Ababa on Monday by unidentified gunmen when he was driving.

His music often focused on the rights of the country's Oromo ethnic group and became an extremely popular voice in a wave of protests that led to the downfall of the previous prime minister in 2018.

Following his death, huge protests erupted in Addis Ababa and Oromia region, the homeland of the Oromo people. _Agencies

Dhaka/AKA