By Addis Getachew

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA): One killed and 150 injured Saturday when an explosion disrupted a rally by Ethiopia’s new prime minister in capital Addis Ababa.

Abiy Ahmed was rushed to safety after the grenade explosion. In a televised address later, he said: “A few individuals were killed in the explosion perpetrated by those who do not want peace and unity in this country.”

Eight people are in critical condition, Health Minister Amir Aman said on Twitter.

Six suspects were arrested, according to state broadcaster ETV, which carried a statement from the Federal Police Commission.

Earlier today, a sea of people gathered at the city’s widest boulevard to attend a rally held to thank Ahmed for heralding political, social, legal and military reforms.

Supporters chanted the name of the prime minister as he appeared on the dais to make a speech.

After bowing several times before the crowd, the prime minister said he was humbled by the show of trust by the people within three months of taking office.

After taking office in April, Ahmed released numerous political prisoners, promised to widen the political space, and to hold free and democratic elections in two years’ time.

“With love and dedication, we will reach at our target of becoming a great nation,” he told the gathering.

[Photo: People gather i support of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on June 23, 2018. Photographer: Minasse Wondimu Hailu/AA]