Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has warned that he will punish by law opposition politicians who try to seize power by exploiting the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus.
He said people should not be killed and homes destroyed by those seeking to undermine authority.
The opposition figure, Jawar Mohammed, accused Mr Abiy of intimidation and said it was the governing party that was grabbing power unconstitutionally.
Ethiopia was due to hold elections in August but they have been postponed due to Covid-19.
There are concerns that the polls will not be held before parliament’s mandate expires in October.
