In surprising turn of events, Demeke Mekonnen is step down as chairman of the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), if the request is approved by the the party congress. At the 12th congress of the ANDM taking place in Bahir Dar, Demeke is on list of members to “retire with dignity.” Reports indicate the suggestion to step aside was forwarded from Demeke himself. If the party would allow him to do so, this would mean a significant step as he has also dual portfolio as deputy chairman the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), and Deputy Prime Minister, positions that he would similarly lose. Demeke is also seen as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s right-hand man and he has been one of those politicians directly involved in supporting and shaping the recent reform agenda.
Demeke took the party chairmanship job in September 2010, when he took over from Addisu Legesse. He was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in March 2013.
ANDM is also to decide on whether Kebede Chane, Getachew Ambaye, Mekonnen Yelewumwosen and Frehiwot Ayalew are to “retire with dignity” from the central committee membership. Another suggestion made at the congress was to omit Kassa Tekleberahn and Zenebu Tadesse who are serving as ambassadors to the United States and Italy respectively from central committee line-up, which is yet to be approved. Party members who have departed for further studies Alemenew Makonnen, Legesse Tulu, Getachew Jember, Ibrahim Moammed, Desalegn Ambaw, Banchiyirga Melesse are also to be excluded.
ANDM has changed its name to Amhara Democratic Party (ADP). It has also changed its logo.
(Update: The ANDM party congress declined to yield to Demeke Mekonnen’s request for departure, deeming it untimely. Demeke has also agreed to stay on, Radio Fana reported. However, Kassa Tekleberahn, Kebede Chane, Getachew Ambaye, Zenebu Tadesse and other nine party stalwarts have retired.)
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