House Appoints Three Ministers

Addis Ababa April 18/2019 The House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) today approved the appointment of three Ministers nominated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Accordingly, Lemma Megerssa, the current chief administrator of Oromia Regional State appointed as Minister of Defense while the former Chief Administrator of Amhara Regional State, and Gedu Andargachew as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Ayisha Mohammed, who was appointed as Minister of Defense was re- appointed as Minister of Urban Development and Construction.

Born in East Wellega Zone Gudeya Bila woreda, Lemma Megersa received a bachelor's degree from Civil Service University in economics and master's degree in International Relations from Addis Ababa University.

Lemma served as speaker of Cheffee, the Oromia regional Parliament, before becoming regional president in October 2016.

Gedu Andargachew, has served as president of the Amhara National Regional State for the last five years until his resignation and replacement by Doctor Ambachew Mekonen from his post on March.

He has also served in the past as deputy president of the region and head of the agriculture bureau.

House members commented that the nominations for such positions need to be based on sustained research to avoid frequent change of ministerial appointments.

The House also discussed on the appointment and noted that the ministers had wider experience in public service on various positions and would fit for the positions for which they are appointed.

The House approved the appointments in majority vote with one opposition and 5 abstentions.