Eight Ethiopian generals missing – report

Eight Ethiopian generals missing – report
Aug 27, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Reports from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, confirm the disappearance of up to eight generals. These generals have been missing for a while now and their whereabouts are unknown.

“Reliable sources who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of their role within the Ethiopian army indicate that the eight generals were linked to the defection of General Kemal Gelchi”, the opposition Ogaden online reported

The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, ordered the detention of the eight generals, the report said The missing eight generals are ethnically from Oromo and Amhara.

It is unconfirmed whether the generals were killed or whether they are held in detention in an unknown destination. What is known so far is that the disappearance of these generals has created a state of apprehension both within the army and the state. It is feared that an army mutiny may be possible.

Since the defection of Brig. Gen. Kemal Geltu to Eritrea with 150 Ethiopian soldiers on 10 August, the Ethiopian government is monitoring closely officers who are potentially could take a hostile action against the regime.

(Ogaden online/ST)