In a surprising development, Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, a stalwart in the country’s political landscape, has been removed from his position as vice-president of the ruling Prosperity Party. State media reported this significant political shake-up, fueling uncertainties about Mekonnen’s future role within the government.
According to the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate, Mekonnen, who also serves as the foreign minister and belongs to the Amhara ethnic group, has been replaced by Ethiopia’s intelligence chief. In a reshuffle that adhered to the party’s “leadership succession principle and operating system,” Temesgen Tiruneh, the head of the National Intelligence and Security Service, was “unanimously elected” as Mekonnen’s successor, as reported by Fana.
The announcement was corroborated by Ethiopia’s official press agency ENA, further solidifying the implications for Mekonnen’s political career. A source close to the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed the belief that Mekonnen’s removal from the party leadership could signal his departure as deputy prime minister.
While there is no constitutional linkage between the two positions, the deep-rooted tradition suggests that Mekonnen may also relinquish the deputy prime minister post, a role he has held for an impressive 11 years. A foreign diplomat in Addis Ababa echoed this sentiment, stating that it is their understanding that Mekonnen would likely step down from both roles.
Demeke Mekonnen assumed the position of deputy prime minister in 2012, following his election as vice-president of the EPRDF, the coalition that governed Ethiopia for nearly three decades until Abiy Ahmed’s ascent to power in 2018. After Abiy merged the EPRDF parties into the Prosperity Party, Mekonnen retained his roles as vice-president and deputy prime minister.
Mekonnen’s political journey took a turn in November 2020 when he became the foreign minister amid the government’s declaration of war against the northern Tigray region. The two-year conflict, culminating in a peace accord, led to violent hostilities between Addis Ababa and former allies in the Amhara region, opposing the pact with Tigray. The removal of Mekonnen from the party’s leadership marks a significant shift in Ethiopia’s political landscape, raising questions about the government’s future direction.
