At least five people have been killed and 31 injured in a series of hand-grenade attacks in eastern Ethiopia that may have been politically motivated, police and diplomats said on Monday.
The attacks took place late on Sunday at several bars and a private home in the town of Jijiga, about 720km east of Addis Ababa in Somali state, where parliamentary elections are to be held next month, they said.
”Five were killed and 31 injured when hand grenades were thrown at three bars and in one residence by unknown people at 8.30pm local time on Sunday evening,” Somali state police Commissioner Ahmed Ali said by telephone.
The five died on the way to the Karamara hospital in Jijiga, the state capital, where the 31 wounded are being treated for injuries ranging from serious to minor, he said.
Authorities in Somali state have launched an investigation into the attacks for which no one has claimed responsibility, Ali said, adding that authorities have yet to determine a motive.
However, diplomats in the capital suggested that the attacks may have been politically motivated, as they occurred as voter registration for the upcoming elections was set to begin in Somali state.
”As the attacks took place on the eve of the start of voter registration … they could be politically motivated,” one Western diplomat said on condition of anonymity.
Parliamentary polls were held in most of Ethiopia on May 15, but for logistical reasons are not due to be held in Somali state until August 15.
Preliminary results from the 523 constituencies contested in May, which showed a victory for the ruling Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democratic Front, sparked protests that led to deadly clashes last month in the capital. — Sapa-AFP