“… Previously I was mentioning how important Africa is for us, the European Union, as a partner, this fully applies to Ethiopia, that is why we are following closely the situation in this country, we are following the rising tensions, and this is something that is worrying us, of course, and we are calling to all sides to refrain from violence. The violence can never be an alternative to a peaceful dialogue when you are trying to reach a sustainable solution in a situation of a political conflict” the European External Action Service (EEAS) spokesperson said, while commenting on the recent dramatic events in Ethiopia.

“On the unfortunate events that led to the unrest that cost lives to 80 people, first of all I would like to express our condolences to the families of the victims, and speedy recovery of all those injured, and it is very important that the violence stops. It has to stop immediately, and all sides have to refrain from violent actions in order to appease the tensions” spokesperson continued.

“Under current circumstances there is limited internet and phone connection, but we are trying to follow what is going on via our delegation in Ethiopia, we follow in particular the clashes that occurred between the protestors and the police in the capital, and also in the other cities since the death of the singer Hachalu Hundessa, this week, and we also follow the arrests of the journalists, and opposition political party members”.

“We allied with the statement issued by our partner the African Union, we are calling those responsible to be brought to justice, conducting transparent and independent investigation” the EU Diplomatic added.

Six people were injured on July 2 in slashes between Ethiopian security forces and mourners attempting to attend the funeral of Oromo singer and activist Hachalu Hundessa, whose assassination earlier this week provoked protests, causing violent death of at least 80 people.

The Chairperson of African Union Commission Moussa Faki calls on the Government of Ethiopia to bring the perpetrators of such heinous act to face justice and encourages all sides to resolve differences through dialogue and peaceful means in order to allow adequate efforts towards preventing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The popular Oromo singer Hachalu Hundessa, 36, was shot dead in the capital Addis Ababa on June 29 by unknown gunmen and was laid to rest later at a church in Ambo, his home town about 100 km west of the capital. He leaves behind three daughters, the youngest a month old. The slain singer’s wife, Santu Demisew Diro, gave a short speech after mourners laid wreaths.

Late Haacaaluu’s songs were popluar among a generation of Oromo protesters whose three years of anti-government demonstrations finally forced the unprecedented resignation of the Prime minister, 2018, and the appointment of the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The Oromo have long complained of exclusion from political process. In recent months, some Oromo activists who initially supported Abiy have become more critical, accusing ignoring he legitimate interests of the Oromo people.

The singer’s killing sparked protests in Addis and surrounding Oromiya region, leading to violent clashes, which left behind more than 80 people killed.