The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on Tuesday sent his condolences to the families of the national figures killed in the attempted coup in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.
Mahamat also reiterated his support to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the government of Ethiopia in their pursuit of the country’s national reform and reconciliation agenda.
On Saturday, soldiers loyal to the alleged mastermind of the coup, Brigadier General Asaminew Tsige, attacked a meeting of the Amhara government killing the regional governor and his adviser.
That attack was followed hours later by the assassination of the Ethiopian army chief, Seare Mekonnen, and a retired army general by a bodyguard in the capital, Addis Ababa.
Tsige was shot dead on the outskirts of Bahir Dar, the capital of Amhara, as he attempted to flee from his hideout, according to police.
Mahamat’s statement came as a memorial service was held for the deceased officials. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led hundreds of soldiers and officers in uniform in paying their final respects.
On Monday, flags in Ethiopia flew at half-mast as a national day of mourning was declared.
There has also been heavy deployment of pro-government forces in Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa.
