Donors deplore deadly blasts in Ethiopia

May 16, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopia’s main donors on Tuesday denounced a string of deadly explosions that rocked Addis Ababa last week, saying there was no possible justification for the unclaimed blasts.

The Ambassadors’ Donors Group, which represents 24 nations and four multi-lateral lenders, said the nine blasts on Friday that killed at least four people and wounded more than 40 had shattered lives for no reason.

“Innocent lives have been destroyed and shattered,” the group said in a statement. “No motive whatsoever, be it political or not, can justify such criminal acts.”

“Violence breeds more violence and despair,” it added. “Progress can only be achieved through peaceful dialogue. We remain committed to contributing to that end.”

Police have said the blasts which ripped through two office buildings, a cafe, a bus station, three buses and a bridge, were “criminal acts” but have not accused any individual or group of being behind them.

The explosions were the latest in a series of more than a dozen mystery blasts to hit Addis Ababa and provincial towns, killing at least 11 people since January.

Ethiopia has blamed arch-foe Eritrea of supplying explosive materials for the blasts but Asmara has denied the charge and some Ethiopian officials have said they suspect separartist rebels or opposition figures are responsible.

Tension has been high in Addis Ababa for months since at least 84 people died — many at the hands of police — during opposition-led protests against alleged fraud in the May 2005 elections.

Currently, 111 defendants, including nearly the entire leadership of the main opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), are on trial accused of fomenting a post-election coup.

The Ambassador’s Donors Group has in the past called for releasing those on trial on bail, which has been repeatedly denied, and for a dialogue between the government and the opposition to resolve their difference.

(ST)