News
Ethiopia gets new Deputy PM, Foreign & Health ministers in cabinet changes
Mr.Temesgen Tiruneh, Chief of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), has been appointed as Ethiopia’s new Deputy Prime Minister. His confirmation in the parliament signals a strategic shift in the country’s leadership structure.
The changes in cabinet approved by the country’s House of Representatives, also saw Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie officially confirmed as Ethiopia’s new Foreign Affairs Minister, succeeding Demeke Mekonen, who held the position concurrently with his Deputy Prime Ministerial role for the past three years.
Mr Selassie brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to his new role, having served as Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United Nations for a notable five-year term.
Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie
His tenure at the UN was marked by challenging times, particularly during the diplomatic campaign against Ethiopia at the Security Council, amidst the conflict between the Federal government and The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The diplomatic pressure eventually eased with the signing of the Pretoria agreement in November 2022, bringing an end to the conflict.
Additionally, Taye Atske Selassie faced challenges related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which triggered diplomatic scrutiny on Ethiopia. His previous role as Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative in Cairo further underscores his familiarity with the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Following his term at the United Nations, Taye Atske Selassie served as the Foreign Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, showcasing his continued involvement in shaping Ethiopia’s foreign relations strategy.
In a related development, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Liya Tadesse, is set to depart her role after earning recognition for her commendable efforts in handling the response to the Coronavirus disease. Mekdes Daba has been named as her successor, bringing a fresh perspective to the nation’s healthcare leadership.