Ethiopia reshuffles government, two Oromos occupy key positions

Addis Ababa, November 01, 2016 (GSN) - The Ethiopian parliament on Tuesday approved a new cabinet formed by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn after he promised to address concerns of inadequate representation of other regions in government.

Two key ministries have been returned to Oromos thus Workneh Gebeyehu, who was formerly Transport Minister is now Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dr Negeri Lencho, journalism professor at the University of Addis Ababa is now the Minister of Government Communication Affairs Office.

Only nine out of the 30 previous ministers retained their positions in the new government that has only three women represented. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn stated that the appointment was done on the basis of competences and commitments. Former Communication Minister, Getachew Reda, became unpopular during the protests and it is believed that it cost him his position.

Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister, Tedros Adhanom, is out of the government to focus on his campaign for the post of Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Anti-government protests since November 2015 expended from the Oromo Region to Amhara after continued calls against dominance of minority Tigreans at key positions in the government and security forces.  The two protesting regions form more than 60% of the population.

Ethiopia declared a state of emergency on October 9 to curb the unrest which turned violent leading to damage of properties including those of local and international businesses. Before the State of Emergency was imposed, over 50 people died on October 2 in a stampede at a festival in Bishoftu after police fired teargas and warning shots to disperse protesters at the event.

At least 500 people have been killed and thousands arrested in the wave of anti-government protests in the Amhara and Oromia regions over the past months. International bodies including the United Nations and the European Union have called on the Ethiopian government to exercise restraint against protesters.

 Accordingly, the newly appointed ministers are as follows:......

1. Dr. Workineh Gebayehu Foreign Minister
2. Mr. Tagesse Chafo Public Service and Human Resource Minister
3. Dr. Abraham Tekasta Finance and economic cooperation minister
4. Dr. Bekele Muladu Trade Minister
5. Prof. Fikadu Beyene Animal and Fish Resource minister
6. Dr. Eyasu Abraha Agriculture and Natural Resource Minister
7. Dr. Eng. Getahun Makuria Science and Technology Minister
8. Mr. Ahmed Shide Transport Minister
9. Dr. Ambachaw Mekonnen Urban Development
10. Eng. Ayisha Mohammed Construction Minister
11. Dr. Eng. Sileshi Bekele Water, Irrigation and Electricity Minister
12. Mr. Motuma Mekassa Mineral, Petroleum and Natural gas
13. Dr. Gemado Dale Environment forest and climate change
14. Dr. Shiferaw T/mariam Education Minister
15. Prof. Yifru Birhana Health Minister
16. Dr. Girma Amante Government Development Organizations Minister
17. Dr. Hirut W/mariam Culture and Tourism Minister
18. Mrs. Demitu Hambisa Women and children Minister
19. Mr. Ristu Yirdaw Youth and Sport Minister
20. Mr. Kebede Chane Customs and Revenue Authority
21. Dr. Negari Lencho Government Communication Affairs Office Minister

According to the Prime Minister, ministers in the remaining ministries will stay in their previous posts.

1. Demeke Mekonnen Deputy Prime Minister
2. Siraj Fegessa – Minister of Defense
3. Kassa Tekleberhan- Minister of Federal Affairs and Pastoral Area Development
4. Dr Debretsion Gebremichael –Minister of Communication and Information Technology
5. Ahmed Abitew – Minister of Industry
6. Getachew Ambaye- Attorney General
7. Abdulfetah Abdulah - Minister of Labor and Social Affairs
8. Dr Yinager Dese- Commissioner of National Planning Commission
9. Asmelash Woldesilasie – House Chief Whip with the Rank of Minister

Source: GSN Agencies

 

 

 

Connect with us