Ethiopia’s new premier Abiy Ahmed named a new defence minister on Thursday as part of a reshuffle to help implement reforms demanded by the public during unrest in which hundreds were killed by security forces.
Among the 16 appointees, 10 of them are newly promoted while another six ministers were reshuffled to new positions. Earlier, the House approved proclamation 1084/ 2018 which provided for the formation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Resources.
Abiy named 10 new ministers but retained the finance and foreign ministers from the cabinet of his predecessor Hailemariam Desalegn, who resigned in February to pave the way for the reforms.
“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,” Abiy, a former army officer, told lawmakers.
He said that the newly appointed ministers are expected to immediately start their duties in their respective ministries by consulting with their management and operational staff.
Here is the list of ministerial appointments – approved by the parliament today:
- Shiferaw Shigutie Minister of Agriculture and Livestock resource
- Sirag Fegessa Minister of Transport
- Dr. Hirut Woldemariam- Minister of Labor and Social Affairs
- Teshome Toga – Minister of Public Enterprises
- Umer Hussien – Authority of Customs and Revenue Director-General (with the rank of minister)
- Uba Mohamed – Minister of Information and Communication Technology
- Dr. Ambachew Mekonen- Minister of industry
- Motuma Mekassa – Minister of Defense
- Fozia Amin – Minister of Culture and Tourism
- Ahmed Shide – Minister of Government Communication Affairs Office
- Jantirar Abay – Minister of Housing and Urban Development
- Melese Alemu – Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Birhanu Tsegaye – Attorney General (with the rank of minister)
- Yalem Tsegay- Women and Children Affairs Minister
- Melaku Alebel – Minister of Trade
- Dr. Amir Aman – Minister of Health
