Several Ethiopian Ministers Lose Portfolios as Abiy Reveals Year-Long Monitoring

Ethiopia’s cabinet reshuffle has left several outgoing ministers in political limbo, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revealed that his government had kept serving cabinet members and state ministers under close, confidential watch over the past year.

Speaking during the House of Peoples’ Representatives’ first regular session of the seventh parliamentary term on Thursday, Abiy said the government had examined officials’ activities at home and abroad, as well as their connections with wealthy individuals through family members. Ministers had been asked to explain matters in which their names arose, he said, adding that individuals about whom suspicions remained had not been included in the new cabinet.

The prime minister did not identify the officials concerned or specify whether the monitoring findings had prompted particular departures. The published appointments also do not establish whether the ministers who lost their portfolios have been assigned other government positions.

Kassahun Gofe, the former minister of Trade and Regional Integration, is among those whose next roles have not been announced. Yasmin Wohabrebbi has taken over the trade portfolio, while Fisseha Yitagesu has replaced Melaku Alebel at the Industry Ministry.

Belete Molla has also left the Innovation and Technology Ministry, which is now headed by Frehiwot Tamiru. At the Mines Ministry, Alemtsahay Paulos has replaced Habtamu Tegegn, while Shewit Shanka has taken over the Women and Social Affairs portfolio from Ergoge Tesfaye.

Engineer Aisha Mohammed, the outgoing defence minister, has likewise been replaced, with Mohammed Idris appointed to the post. No new ministerial assignments for Kassahun, Melaku, Belete, Habtamu, Ergoge or Aisha were identified in the published cabinet list.

Their absence from the new lineup does not establish whether they have left government service or will be appointed to other positions. Nor did Abiy publicly connect any of these officials to the monitoring process he described.

Other changes have involved transfers to senior positions. Ahmed Shide, the former finance minister, has become speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, while Fitsum Assefa has moved from Planning and Development to Finance. Bereket Fissehatsion has been appointed to lead the renamed Ministry of National Strategy.

Abiy said the reshuffle had been conducted cautiously after considering multiple factors. He also said the newly appointed ministers would remain subject to monitoring and evaluation, with action to be taken against those who failed to deliver results.

The prime minister added that the government would act within 24 hours if evidence of wrongdoing by a newly appointed minister was presented.

Source: FSX Business News