In a significant development, Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, has stepped down from both positions.
Mekonnen, a long-serving figure in Ethiopian politics, held the Deputy Prime Minister position since 2012 and assumed the Foreign Minister role in November 2020. He was also the third vice president of the ruling Prosperity Party, representing the Amhara wing.
The reasons behind Mekonnen’s departure remain unclear, though some reports suggest he requested to leave politics but was asked to stay on temporarily to handle crucial diplomatic engagements. Regardless of the cause, his resignation comes amidst ongoing challenges in Ethiopia, including the aftermath of the Tigray conflict and internal political complexities.
Temesgen Tiruneh – The New Face of Ethiopian Diplomacy
Mekonnen’s successor as Foreign Minister and third vice president of the Prosperity Party is Temesgen Tiruneh, currently the Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS). Tiruneh, a career intelligence officer, is a relatively unknown figure in Ethiopian politics, raising questions about the direction of the country’s foreign policy under his leadership.
Uncertain Future for Ethiopia’s Political Landscape
Mekonnen’s departure and Tiruneh’s appointment leave Ethiopia’s political landscape in a state of uncertainty. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the country’s domestic and international relations in the coming months and years.
