At least 30 people have been arrested Ethiopia in the crackdown following the attempt on the life of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa on Saturday.

A bomb exploded near the dais where Mr Abiy was addressing a rally organised in support of the reforms he is undertaking in the formerly tightly-controlled state.

Those arrested include the Addis Ababa Police deputy Commissioner Girma Kassa and other high ranking security officers.

Sought treatment

Out of the total 156 causalities of the Saturday attack, two have reportedly died while the remaining sought treatment at three different government hospitals in Addis Ababa, according to the Ministry of Health.

Only 43 of the victims were still being treated in hospitals, while the rest were allowed to go home.

Rally organisers say an estimated five million people have so far attended the meetings organised in support of the reforms being undertaken by Mr Abiy.

The majority, they say, were victims of the injustices perpetrated by the previous regimes.

Others in exile

Following the Saturday incident, the Ethiopia government has announced that June 23 would subsequently be commemorated annually as a “National Day of Love, Forgiveness and Togetherness”.

Mr Abiy, who was sworn-in in April to replace Mr Hailemariam Desalegn, has initiated wide ranging reforms many fear would be resisted by the beneficiaries of the status quo.

He has released thousands of prisoners and extended an amnesty to many others in exile.

The prime minister has asked citizen for patience as he works to bring change to the Ethiopia.