Paul Nyathi|The U.S Department Of State on Friday warned its citizens against flying into and out of Addis Ababa and hours later an Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed killing all 155 people on board.

It’s particularly worrying what the U.S. government may have foreseen but failed to warn airport authorities in Addis Ababa about.

Despite the warning, eight Americans were killed on board the ill-fated flight.

The warning published on the U.S. Department Of State late on Friday evening reads as follows:

Security Alert – Demonstration in Meskel Square and the Oromia Region (8 March, 2019)

Location: Meskel Square in Addis Ababa and the Oromia Region

Event:  The U.S. Embassy is aware of calls for a protest to be held on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Meskel Square.  It is unknown whether the protest has been or will be approved by Ethiopian authorities.  Protests have already occurred in many parts of the Oromia region since March 6, and additional protests may materialize.

U.S. Embassy personnel are advised to avoid Meskel Square and limit movement around Addis Ababa on Sunday, March 10.   U.S. Government travelers have been advised not to arrive or depart Bole International Airport on Sunday, March 10, and U.S. Embassy personnel are also temporarily prohibited from traveling to Oromia.

Actions to Take:

• Monitor local media for updates.
• Avoid crowds
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.

The government however went on to clear the travel warning late Saturday night which might have led to the eight Americans on board going ahead with their travel.

Ethiopians have already begun suspecting that the U.S. Government may have had a hand in the plane crash.

More details as they become available.