Ethiopia Amhara 'coup ringleader on the run'

The suspected ringleader of Saturday’s failed coup plot in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, is reported to be on the run, accordingly to a senior security official. 

Four top officials, including the army chief were killed while thwarting the coup, officials said. 

Flags are flying at half-mast after the federal government declared a day of mourning to mark the deaths. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged Ethiopians to unite against “evil” forces set on dividing the country. 

A heavy contingent of pro-government forces has been deployed in Amhara’s capital, Bahir Dar and the federal city, Addis Ababa. 

The US state department has warned its staff in Addis Ababa to stay inside. 

Ethnic violence has hit Amhara and other party of Ethiopia before, in recent years. However since his election last year, Mr Abiy has moved to end political repression by releasing political prisoners, removing bands on political parties and prosecuting officials accused of human rights abuses. 

Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest independent country, as well as the continents most populous with 102.5 million inhabitants from more than 80 different ethnic groups. 

A transfer hub for long haul air travel, it has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, but a vast number of young Ethiopians are without work.