Mr. Demeke Mekonnen, the Vice President of Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party, has tendered his resignation.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Demeke Mekonnen, has stepped down from his party, as announced by party officials.
The Central Committee of the Prosperity Party stated that, “following the principle of leadership succession and proper procedure, Mr. Demeke has retired with honor.”
Former Amhara Region President and current Director-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service, as well as an executive member of the party, Mr. Temesgen Tiruneh, has been elected as the Vice President of the Prosperity Party, succeeding Mr. Demeke Mekonnen.
Demeke’s resignation from the party’s leadership suggests a potential departure from his roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in the country’s government.
Reports indicate that Mr. Demeke may also relinquish his positions as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, although it is currently confirmed only that he will formally step down from the position of Vice President of his party.
Demeke Mekonnen has served as Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister for the past 11 years and succeeding Degu Andargachew as Minister of Foreign Affairs three years ago.
Holding key positions within the former ruling party, EPRDF, and the current Prosperity Party, Mr. Demeke was one of the two Vice Presidents of the Prosperity Party.
Another decision made by the Central Committee of the Prosperity Party, during its conference, is the continuation of peace talks with armed groups.
In a statement issued by the party at the conclusion of the meeting, addressing local conflicts stemming from militant groups interests were highlighted as essential for economic growth.
The statement emphasized the importance of resolving these conflicts to accelerate the “prosperity journey” and ensure national peace.
However, the statement also emphasized the necessity of military action against armed groups that do not pursue peaceful alternatives.
The party also praised the government’s decision to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland a month ago.
The agreement is essential to gain access to a Red Sea port, and diplomatic efforts must be undertaken to address activities aimed at undermining this port deal with Somaliland.
