Ethiopia’s Parliament Approves Abiy’s New 22-Member Cabinet

By : Kadir Moustapha

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Oct 8 — Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives has unanimously approved 23 Cabinet appointments submitted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, completing a key stage in the formation of the country’s new federal government following the June general election.

The appointments include 22 ministers and Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, who will continue in his senior government role as Abiy begins another five-year term.

The parliamentary approval came during the seventh House of Peoples’ Representatives’ new term, following Abiy’s reappointment and swearing-in as prime minister on October 5.

The Cabinet formation is part of the establishment of what the government calls the Medemer Government, reflecting Abiy’s political philosophy of unity, cooperation and national development.

Among the senior appointments, Gedion Timothewos was approved as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Idris as Minister of Defense and Fitsum Assefa as Minister of Finance.

Birhanu Nega was approved as Minister of Education, while Hana Arayaselassie will lead the Ministry of Justice. Addisu Arega was appointed Minister of Agriculture, and Yasmin Wohabrebbi will oversee Trade and Regional Integration.

The new Cabinet brings together officials responsible for Ethiopia’s economic policy, national security, infrastructure, social services and regional relations at a time when the country faces economic challenges and continuing security concerns.

Full List of Approved Cabinet Members

The following appointments were approved by Parliament, according to the government announcement:

1. Temesgen Tiruneh — Deputy Prime Minister

2. Gedion Timothewos (PhD) — Minister of Foreign Affairs

3. Addisu Arega — Minister of Agriculture

4. Fitsum Assefa (PhD) — Minister of Finance

5. Mohammed Idris — Minister of Defense

6. Birhanu Nega (Prof.) — Minister of Education

7. Hana Arayaselassie — Minister of Justice

8. Yasmin Wohabrebbi — Minister of Trade and Regional Integration

9. Fisseha Yitagesu (PhD) — Minister of Industry

10. Habtamu Itefa (PhD) — Minister of Water and Energy

11. Mekdes Daba (Dr.) — Minister of Health

12. Awelu Abdi — Minister of Labor and Skills

13. Aynalem Niguse — Minister of Revenues

14. Bereket Fissehatsion — Minister of National Strategy

15. Selamawit Kassa — Minister of Culture and Tourism

16. Alemtsahay Paulos — Minister of Mining

17. Sadat Nesha — Minister of Logistics

18. Shewit Shanka — Minister of Women and Social Affairs

19. Musa Adem — Minister of Peace

20. Frehiwot Tamiru — Minister of Innovation and Technology

21. Mohammed Abdurahman (Eng.) — Minister of Urban and Infrastructure

22. Sultan Weli (PhD) — Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands

23. Aklilu Tadesse (PhD) — Minister of Youth and Sports

New Government Takes Shape

The Cabinet’s approval follows the opening of Ethiopia’s seventh parliamentary term on October 5, when newly elected lawmakers took their oaths and Abiy was sworn in for another five-year term.

The new parliamentary leadership also includes Ahmed Shide, who was elected Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, while Muferihat Kamil was elected Speaker of the House of Federation.

The government formation comes as Ethiopia seeks to advance economic reforms, attract investment and address domestic security challenges while navigating tensions over access to the Red Sea and the management of Nile waters.

Abiy, who first took office in 2018, has made economic restructuring and infrastructure development central priorities of his administration.

The unanimous parliamentary approval gives the new Cabinet the formal legislative backing to begin implementing the government’s agenda for the next five years.

Reporting by HornDiplomat  News Desk)