CROWDS chanted anti-government slogans in Ethiopia yesterday after the bodies of two army generals were returned for burials in the country’s northern Tigray state.

Ethiopian army head Gen Seare Mekonnen and Brig-Gen Gezai Abera were among those killed on Saturday as part of an attempted coup against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.

Alleged ringleader Brig-Gen Asaminew Tsige was shot dead by government forces in Bahir Dar in Amhara province on Monday.

Elements of the former regime allegedly want to overthrow Mr Abiy due to reforms that have led to a peace deal with neighbouring Eritrea and the liberalisation of Ethiopia’s economy.

Groups of young people chanted anti-government slogans in the general’s home state yesterday and blamed Mr Abiy for the deaths.

Tens of thousands lined the streets as the bodies were taken from the airport in Tigray state capital Mekelle to the city centre where candlelit vigils were held in Martyr’s Square.

Tigray state has declared three days of mourning and opened books of condolence for the public to sign in memory of the slain army leaders.