Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed could be struggling to stamp his authority as peace ambassador as protests continued to eclipse his exploits.
On Wednesday, police shot three people dead in the West of Addis Ababa following violent protests triggered by Ahmed's diminishing relationship with media entrepreneur Jawar Mohammed.
Trouble started when Jawar went to his Facebook account and complained that the state had withdrawn his security besides besieging his house.
In the capital, Addis Ababa, supporters offered to act as Mr Jawar's security detail and protesters were heard shouting: "Down, down, Abiy."
Angry protestors burnt Abiy's newly published book, Medemer, which explains his leadership philosophy. The book burning took place in the town of Dadar.
A fortnight ago, Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize ostensibly for his efforts in negotiating the historic Eritrean peace deal that ended decades of civil war.
On Tuesday evening, the Ethiopian PM warned Jawar indirectly, accusing him of using Oromia Media Network to fuel ethnic violence.
"Those media owners who don't have Ethiopian passports are playing both ways," Mr Abiy was quoted as saying in parliament by Reuters news agency.
"When there is peace you are playing here, and when we are in trouble you [are] not here."
The two, who hail from Oromo ethnic group, have been at loggerheads for months now. Jawar is celebrated as a hero at Oromiya region.