Foreigners attacked in Ethiopia over coronavirus fears

The US Embassy in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, has warned foreigners are being attacked in cities across the country after being accused on carrying the coronavirus.

In a security alert posted on its website, the Embassy said it “continued to receive reports regarding a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment”.

The statement further points to incidents where “derogatory comments directed at foreigners” such as “China” and “Ferengi”, which means foreigner, have been “coupled with the label “Corona”, indicating a disparaging view”.   

According to the alert, people have been heckled, denied access to public transport, spat on, chased, and even attacked with stones.

Such reports have begun to emerge since Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous state, confirmed its first positive case of coronavirus last week; six more cases have since been confirmed.

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