Abiy Ahmed appoints General Seare Mekonnen as the new Chief of Staff of the National Defense Force

[Aroori]

[Bloomberg]

Ethiopia’s prime minister appointed a new army chief of staff with a specialist’s background on Eritrea,

days after authorities said they’d implement a peace deal with their Horn of Africa neighbor and long-standing foe.

 

The appointment of Seare Mekonnen marks the first change at the top in 17 years in Ethiopia’s army, which plays a dominant role in the country that has Africa’s biggest population after Nigeria. He belongs to the Tigrayan ethnic group that’s largely held the top ranks of the military, security and intelligence services since the then-rebel Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front seized power.

 

His appointment was announced late Thursday by Fana Broadcasting Corp., which is funded by the ruling party. Named one of three deputy chiefs of staff earlier this year, Seare also previously headed the military’s northern command, whose jurisdiction covers areas bordering Eritrea.

Eritrea declared independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after decades of conflict, and the nations have been at odds after a 1998-2000 border war that claimed thousands of lives.

 

 A peace deal signed in 2000 was never implemented, with Ethiopia refusing to recognize a monitor’s findings on ownership of a disputed town. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed pledged in April that the country will “resolve problems” with Eritrea.

 

Abiy also named Adem Mohammed as new director-general of the National Intelligence and Security Services, Fana reported on Thursday. Adem, an ethnic Amhara who previously commanded Ethiopia’s air force, was also appointed as a deputy chief of staff earlier this year.

Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-07/ethiopia-appoints-new-chief-of-staff-for-powerful-military

 

[Old_Observer]

It shows you how third world politics does not hide ugly face of politics.

Ethiopian opposition are now searching to find Tigray in Genereal Adem Mohamed. Of course he has Tigray heritage and also fought with them and served and rose through ranks with them, but he is from Amhara Region.

 

General Samora Mohamed Yonus and Genral Seare Mekonen his replacement's home towns are maybe 50km apart in the north west of Tigray where TPLF started.

[maakhiri1]

Abiy slowly consiladating power, the Tigray may have underestimated him.

[Old_Observer]

3 minutes ago, maakhiri1 said:

Abiy slowly consiladating power, the Tigray may have underestimated him.

I would say is more the Americans winning than Tigray underestimating him. Ethiopia is already reduced Chinese role, tremendeously increased American, Privatizing corporations which Meles would have said over my dead body, forced to bring Eritrea from cold to be used on Yemen and Sudan openly...too many things to count.

Tigray like Ghelleh have to just be quiet now and keep themselves from being railroaded.

Abiy or US cannot do much without Tigray either enticed or coerced.

 

There is more doubt in his camp than Tigray since the privatization is against his supporters wishes. Afraid also that Tigray are doing this to buy the corporations.

The advice from kililka is Somalis to buy everything that can be bought in telecomunications and try to get in in electricity.

 

 

[Suldaanka]

One thing that if Abiye done would be a lot for the region is the openning up of the economy. At the moment there is just too much bureaucracy and control. 

If he relaxes the state controls and opts for free market economy, that will be a game changer for Somalis business community everywhere. 

[Che -Guevara]

 

[Che -Guevara]

 

[Che -Guevara]

 

[Old_Observer]

18 hours ago, Che -Guevara said:

 

These Opride/Oromopride you like to quote is really petty and bragging on something that did not happen. That is the difference between Amhara and Oromo. The Amhara hated Samora because he is a brave man and always Tigray. The Oromo hated him for the same, but cannot acknowledge. They are afraid he will come from retirement. lol.

Samora was always leader from his teens. Was commander first units formed, was commander of platoon, comapny, brigade, battalion, division, front...at every level was first leader of highest unit always first. Wounded twice. First one fighting against EDU (king Haileslassie feudal remnants) in his teens.

He was member of central committee and executive, but after 1993 he had to quit political positions and party affiliation to build a national professional army.

 (fired?) Very weak culture, of Oromopride, for somebody that is retiring after 40 years of chasing wars and all victorious, bringing the country to challenge Egypt solid military friendship with Turkey, Sudan not so much liked by America.

It cannot be said enough his contribution for Moslem children and Moslems in general to aspire to reach the apex of power and influence. Ethiopia, when Samora went to fight was very different than it is today. He is universally respected for the man he is, in Tigray Afar and even Amhara regions, of course not liked for where he comes from and in plitics. Now its normal in Ethiopia to see Moslem at any position of power.