Gunfire, rioting continue in Ethiopia

Western diplomats said they had reports of several deaths in protests outside Addis Ababa Friday. Scattered gunfire and rioting also was reported in the capital, where doctors said at least one person was wounded.

Police have killed at least 40 people since violent confrontations began Tuesday in the capital, following largely peaceful protests Monday, medical officials said. The medical workers asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation from government officials, who put the number of dead over the week at 13 civilians and one police officer.

Protests erupted Friday in Dessie, Gondar, Bahar Dar, Arba Minch, Awassa, Dire Dawa and other towns, according to Western diplomats, hotel owners and tour operators.