The rise of Abiy “Abiyot” Ahmed
The Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has always been secretive about its party affairs. This is particularly true with regards to the internal party processes by which its chairman and deputy chairman are named. The vast majority of the public had no idea how these positions were filled in the party; whether it is through secret ballot, show of hands or just nomination. This year everything was different. Sizable social media users were seen investing time and resources this past two weeks to learn more about the nomination, voting and confirmation of the chairman of EPRDF and the eventual Prime Minister of the country. By conservative estimates, some 65 media institutions were present at the offices of the EPRDF late Tuesday (11:00 PM) awaiting the announcement of the new chairman. Bypassing members of the press at their doorsteps, the party broke the news that Abiy Ahmed (PhD), chairman of the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO), has landed the most important political job in Ethiopia at this time. In all fairness, Abiy has been at the forefront to clinch the chairmanship position for several weeks now. Nevertheless, Abiy is a relatively new face to topflight politics in Ethiopia. Indeed his rise to the top office, which started in Beshasha (pictured above), a small village near the town of Agaro, some 497kms south-west of Addis Ababa, is certainly fast tracked than many; and it is set to culminate on Monday at House of People’s Representatives.
After weeks of closed-door meetings and negotiations, the ruling coalition has picked Abiy Ahmed Ali (PhD) to be the next Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The young charismatic leader has already become something of a sensation in the country. He is the first Oromo chairman of the ruling four-party coalition, the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), and those who crossed paths with Abiy believe that he is the right person for the top job.
Read more at: The Reporter
