At least three people killed and several seriously injured in the unrest that followed the announcement of Hachalu's death, according to AFP newswire. The internet was shut down, major roads blocked, tyres burned and smoke was seen throughout the capital.
Hachalu was shot late Monday night in the Gelan Condominiums area of Addis Ababa, police told the state-affiliated broadcaster Fana. The singer was rushed to hospital but died later of his wounds.
The 34-year-old was known for political songs in support of the ethnic Oromo group’s fight against repression.
Despite being Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, the Oromos have long complained of being marginalised, both economically and politically.
Hachalu was a prominent artist during the successful three-year anti-government demonstrations before Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, an Oromo, came into power.
In his letter of condolence, Abiy said “we lost a loved soul,” and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. It is not yet known who was responsible for the shooting.
Hachalu ’s ballads such as “Maalan Jira” (“What existence is mine”) and “Jirraa” (“We are here”), he expressed the struggle and frustrations of Oromo protesters but equally their hopes for a brighter future.
His death risks increasing tensions in a nation taking its first steps towards establishing a multiparty democracy.
Too Young and Too Talented To Die.
— Berhane Negussie (@Brinnium) June 29, 2020
My Heartfelt Condolences To His Family and Fans.
Rest In Peace Hachalu Hundessa. #HachaluHundessa pic.twitter.com/E6czTxjGr1
As news of his death spread, protests broke out in the capital and other parts of Ethiopia.
Videos and photos on social media show people flocking to the hospital where his body was taken.
Accompanied by thousands of youth, the body of #HachaluHundessa departed to #Ambo from St. Poulos Hospital. #Ethiopia#Oromia pic.twitter.com/Z7Nka8rI8Y
— Haimanot Ashenafi (@Haimanotwua) June 30, 2020
