Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has nominated Haimanot Zeleke to serve as the next Director-General of the Ethiopian Media Authority, according to The Reporter.

Haimanot is expected to succeed Samson Mekonnen (PhD), who is stepping down after less than a year in office. The reasons for his departure have not been publicly disclosed.

Her appointment comes on the back of extensive experience in both journalism and government communications. Haimanot previously held an editorial role at the state-affiliated Ethiopian News Agency and served in a senior position at the Government Communications Affairs Office. Most recently, she acted as deputy head of communications in the Addis Ababa City Administration’s city manager office.

The leadership change at the media regulator takes place as Ethiopia approaches its seventh national election, scheduled for June. The authority is anticipated to play a key role in overseeing media operations and conduct during the electoral period.