Ethiopia’s prime minister names new cabinet

ETHIOPIA’S new premier, Abiy Ahmed, named a new defence minister yesterday, as part of a reshuffle to help implement reforms demanded by the public during unrest in which hundreds were killed by security forces.

Ahmed named 10 new ministers, but retained the finance and foreign ministers from the cabinet of his predecessor Hailemariam Desalegn, who resigned in February.

“To respond to public demand, a cabinet reshuffle is essential.

“This follows the change of leadership that was enacted in an attempt to change the existing situation in the country,” Ahmed told lawmakers.

He told the new ministers to tackle graft and streamline bureaucracy.

“This is a red line that has to be enforced. What the public is fed up with is graft and maladministration. This will not be tolerated.”

Unrest broke out in the largest province of Oromiya in 2015, largely fuelled by young people who said they were marginalised economically and politically in the country of around 100 million people.

Ethiopia’s economy grew at an average of nearly 10% for the past decade, which is the fastest pace in Africa. Unrest has led to concerns over its long-term stability.

Parliament swore in some 10 new ministers yesterday and six others were moved to head other ministries.

Motuma Mekassa, a former minister of mines, petroleum and natural gas, was named defence minister. – Reuters