Ekeomah Atuonwu
Ethiopian police used tear gas to disperse young worshippers in Addis Ababa during prayers marking the end of Ramadan.
The incident occurred outside the international stadium in the city’s heart, where prayers were to be held to commemorate the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Due to the stadium’s capacity, some worshippers began to pray outside, in Meskel Square.
According to a member of Addis Ababa’s High Council of Islamic Affairs, the cause of the clash was unknown.
However, tensions in the country have been high following the deaths of at least 20 people last month in Gondar, a town in Amhara’s northwestern region following a religious clash.
According to Addis Ababa police, “a riot” was started by a “few individuals” and resulted in property damage, but order has now been restored.
“The police are urging the community to remain calm,” the statement said.
Stone-throwing protesters also smashed windows at a national museum on Meskel Square before the peace was restored, according to reports.
A civil war in northern Tigray and ethnic violence in many parts of the country have already divided the country.
