Ethiopia police arrests 40 opposition CUD members

Nov 10, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — More than 40 members of the opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) were arrested with firearms and ammunition while trying to incite violence in Dawa Chefa woreda of the Oromia zone in Amhara State and South Shoa zone of the Oromia State, Police said.

Head of the Kemise Town and Dawa Chefa Woreda Police Office, Assistant Inspector Eshetu Mekonnen said 12 of the suspects were arrested in Dawa Chefa woreda with three hand grenades and nine assault rifles.

Meanwhile, the South West Shoa Zone Police Department Head Commander Tsegaye Tola said the other 32 suspects under arrest were engaged in inciting violence and damaging properties in various towns of the south west Shoa zone.

According to Assistant Inspector Eshetu a pistol and bullets were found in the residence of an individual who had taken part in the May 2005 election representing CUD for the regional council.

Commander Tsegaye on his part said the zonal police has arrested and handed over to the Federal Police 26 suspects who tried to hide in various towns of the zone after inciting violence and riot in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia police have released more than 2,417 people arrested during bloody protests last week because they were found to have played no role in the violence.

(ENA/ST)