Reuters - Ethiopia's
government said on Sunday several people died and others were injured in
chaotic scenes at a festival near the capital, while the opposition party said
the death toll was at least 50 in a stampede sparked by police action to break
up a protest.
“As a result
of the chaos, lives were lost and several of the injured were taken to
hospital,” the government communications office said in a statement, without
giving figures. "Those responsible will face justice."
Merera Gudina,
chairperson of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, told Reuters at least
50 people were killed when people fled after police fired teargas and shots in
the air to disperse anti-government protesters at the crowded festival.
The government
and opposition often give different accounts for casualties during protests,
which have erupted sporadically for about two years in the Oromiya region near
Addis Ababa. Reuters
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