The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) concluded its 11th congress October 5, having re-elected Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as its chairman.As well as re-electing Abiy as chairman, the congress elected Demeke Mekonnen as EPRDF vice-chairman.
The result will surprise no one, inside or outside Ethiopia. Abiy was re-elected almost unanimously, 99 percent of the vote caste. The 42-year-old former minister of science and technology took the helm of the ruling party at a moment of protracted political chaos for the coalition that has ruled Ethiopia with a firm hand since ousting Mengistu Hailemariam in 1991.
“Though there were decisions put by the EPRDF executive committee, those achievements of the past six months that have amazed the world are the result of Dr. Abiy’s creativity, courage, wisdom, and all-rounded leadership skills,” the chair of Tigray Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Tigray region president Debretsion Gebremichael said.
Demeke Mekonnen secured 149 votes out of 177 for the deputy role.
Dear Aref,
This is good news ONLY if the leadership is able to capitalize on it. Thoroughly audit Ethiopian Airlines and relieve Tewolde; audit Ministry of Foreign Affairs (and consulates), replace Tplf appointees with competent Ethiopians, regardless of party affiliation or ethnicity. Focus on youth employment. Now that Dr. Abiy/Lamma/Geddu/Demeke/Muferiat have party-wide mandate (and above all from Ethiopian public) use the law to right the wrongs. ACT DECISIVELY, ACT WITH FAIRNESS TO ALL. This is a major way to build lost trust with the public under Meles Zenawi/Tplf/Eprdf. Make sure the media is not in a free-fall mode; take action on all who incite, create confusion, and engage in ethnic hatred. Non-ethnic parties should be strengthened as alternative to ruling Eprdf (was forced on the people, thoroughly corrupt, and never represented people’s fundamental needs or protected their constitutional rights). The public is the one to decide, not unelected groups, whether “ethnic” politics is good for the country! Make space for Diaspora involvement in the private sector. Restore status of civil society organizations de-registered by Tplf/Meles following election 2005 opposition victory. God help our country.