ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said "a few people" were killed and others were injured in a blast on Saturday during a political rally in the capital.

In a televised addressed after the explosion, Abiy described the incident as "an unsuccessful attempt by forces who do not want to see Ethiopia united."

The rally was being held in support of the new prime minister. One rally organiser said the blast was caused by a grenade.