June 23, 2019 (Ezega.com) -- The chief Administrator of Amhara region Dr. Ambachew Mekonnen was killed following attack by gunmen, as per Amhara TV report. The gunmen attacked the leaders of the Amhara state while the leaders were in a meeting.
Also killed in the shooting was Azez Wassie, who was Amhara regional state political advisor on organizational matters.
Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and his press office disclosed that a coup attempt was made on the regional government of Amhara.
Dr. Abiy Ahmed said the Amhara regional government was attacked while it was in meeting in Bahir Dar city. Dressed in army uniform, he said, some Amhara government officials have died and others are wounded. He did not disclose the exact nature of the cacualities due to the attack.
In appearance on Ethiopian Television (ETV), the PM press office head, Nigusu Tilahun, said certain organized groups conducted a coup attempt to overthrow the Amhara regional government. However, the group has failed in its attempt, said Nigusu Tilahun.
Nigusu Tilahun further said federal forces are in Bahir Dar city to stabilize the situation. According to witnesses, there is still some gunfire in the city, and Internet and telephone networks are not operational.
The Prime Minister press office did not disclose who were behind this attempted coup, or whether anyone is under control for the attmpted coup
However, in a TV statement, the Amhara regional state government said the attack was instigated and led by General Asaminew Tsigie. General Asaminew Tsigie is a former Ethiopian army general who is believed to be behind a growing nationalist movement in the region.
There were unconfirmed reports in the past that the Amhara regional government was planning to detain the reneged general.
According some media reports, both NAMA (National Movement of Amhara) and General Asaminew Tsigie have denied any involvement in coup attempt or any hostile activities. In fact, they downplayed the incident as failure of law and order.
Dr. Ambachew Mekonnen was elected administrator of Amhara regional state in March 2019. He succeeded Gedu Endargachew, who later became Foreign Minister of Ethiopia.