News – Wednesday 10^th May 2006

New Mayor for Addis Ababa

Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives yesterday endorsed Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s report on the appointment of an interim administration for the Addis Ababa City authority. The Prime Minister announced the appointment of Berhanu Deresa as the Mayor of the Addis Ababa City Provisional Care-Taker administration. Berhanu, who has 35 years diplomatic and civil service experience, will be joined by eight Cabinet members - Dr Alemnesh Wolde-Endeshaw, Yitbarek Befirdu Belihu, Muluneh Worddofa, Sherif Keri, Hagos Hailu Medhane, Berhanu Woldetensae, Misganaw Argaw and Bekele Fula - and Dr Woubishet Berhanu as General Manager of the City.

These officials were selected according to merit and do not belong to any political party. They will exercise their duties and responsibilities according to the Addis Ababa City Charter.

During his report, the Prime Minister said that the interim administration that had been running Addis Ababa had begun the process of gradually handing over power to the newly appointed one-year care-taker administration, which will be engaged primarily in economic and social development activities.

The new administration will work in consultation with relevant institutions to appoint officials for sub-cities authorities, which in turn will designate Kebele leaders.

The appointment of a care-taker administration became necessary after the political party elected to run the city failed to organise themselves sufficiently to take-over from the previous administration. During his report the Prime Minister commended the efforts of those who attempted to organise the required quorum, but noted the importance to fill the vacant positions.

The House endorsed the Prime Minister’s report by 300 votes, with 54 against and 8 abstentions. The session was broadcast live on Ethiopian Radio and Ethiopian Television.

ENDS