The attack was swiftly condemned by the African Union, which is headquartered in Addis Ababa.

"The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has learned with shock and dismay of the attack that took place today during a peaceful rally in Addis Ababa in support of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s reform agenda,” the AU statement said. "He strongly condemns this cowardly attack against civilians at a peaceful rally under the banner of peace and reconciliation.”

African leaders including President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and President Mohamed Farmaajo of Somalia, also expressed their condolences.