Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has submitted a resignation letter as both Prime Minister and Chairman of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) on 15 February. PM Hailemariam said his decision to resign from the leadership of both EPRDF and the government is to be part of the efforts being made to ensure lasting peace and deepen democracy in the country.
The Executive Committees of his party, the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM) and the EPRDF’s have both accepted his request to resign.
Shiferaw Shigute, head of EPRDF office, said PM Hailemariam Desalegn has served as chairman of EPRDF and Prime Minister of Ethiopia for about the last six years and contributed a lot to the ongoing reform programs.
He has also served as chairman of the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM) for the past 17 years and played a crucial role in guaranteeing peace, democracy and good governance in the country move forward following the unexpected death of the great leader Meles Zenawi,
The Council of EPRDF will democratically elect a replacement at its next meeting. The Premier expressed his hope that his party and government will make history again by conducting peaceful power transition.
However, PM Hailemariam will continue to serve in his current positions until the EPRDF Council, and the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) approve his letter of resignation.
He is currently doing his job and will continue until a new Premier is appointed.
