Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Announces Key Cabinet Appointments, Reshuffles Diplomacy LeadershipIn a significant cabinet reshuffle, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed Dr. Gedion Timothewos as the new Foreign Minister, signaling a strategic shift in the nation’s diplomatic efforts amid heightened regional and global tensions.
The reshuffle also saw the promotion of Hanna Arayaselassie to Minister of Justice and Selamawit Kassa to Minister of Tourism, marking key changes in Ethiopia’s governance structure.
Dr. Gedion Timothewos: From Justice to Diplomacy
Dr. Gedion Timothewos, previously Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice and a prominent constitutional law expert, steps into the role of Foreign Minister.
Known for his role as the chief negotiator during the Tigray conflict, Gedion’s diplomatic skills will now be tested on the global stage.
His appointment surprised some regional analysts, who expected the position to be filled by someone from Ethiopia’s seasoned foreign service ranks.
His legal background suggests a focus on legal and constitutional issues in foreign policy.
Notably, he hails from the Sidama region, adding regional diversity to the cabinet.
One of the immediate diplomatic challenges he faces is Ethiopia’s strained relations with neighboring Somalia.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated after Ethiopia signed a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland earlier this year.
The agreement granted Ethiopia a 20-kilometer stretch of Somaliland’s Red Sea coastline, a move that Somalia condemned as a violation of its sovereignty.
Somalia has since expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador and threatened to withdraw Ethiopian troops from joint anti-terrorism operations in southern Somalia.
Ethiopia, for its part, defended the MoU as essential for its economic strategy, while Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi accused Ethiopia of expanding its influence under the guise of counterterrorism.
The international community, including the United Nations, has called for diplomatic talks to prevent further destabilization in the Horn of Africa.
Hanna Arayaselassie: New Leadership in Justice
Hanna Arayaselassie, the former head of the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) and a dynamic figure in Ethiopia’s government, has been appointed as the new Minister of Justice.
Her promotion follows years of driving reforms and boosting foreign investments into the country.
Hanna is married to Dr. Gedion Timothewos, making this an interesting power couple in Abiy Ahmed’s government.
Selamawit Kassa: Tourism Revival
Selamawit Kassa, promoted to the Minister of Tourism, previously served as the State Minister for the Government Communication Service.
Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to reinvigorate Ethiopia’s tourism sector, which has been heavily affected by both the pandemic and the recent internal conflicts.
Reactions and Criticism
While the reshuffle reflects Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s commitment to fresh leadership, the choice of Dr. Gedion Timothewos as Foreign Minister has sparked debate.
Critics within the diplomatic community have questioned the decision to appoint a constitutional law expert to such a pivotal international role.
Some have asked why Abiy didn’t select from Ethiopia’s deeply experienced diplomatic corps, wondering aloud if key figures in Ethiopia’s foreign service have been sidelined.
However, others argue that Gedion’s negotiation skills and strategic thinking make him well-suited to navigate the complex regional dynamics Ethiopia faces today.
This reshuffle comes at a crucial time as Ethiopia continues to address both internal challenges and its diplomatic standing on the global stage.