Check against delivery (Amharic Version)

Respected peoples of our country,

In an effort to address the challenges currently facing the country in light of the public’s legitimate demands for development, democracy and good governance, the EPRDF and the government have commenced a number of reforms. Reforms that are currently underway and that we are striving to successfully implement.

On my part, in an effort to fulfil my responsibilities as a party to these reforms, I have officially tendered, of my own volition, my resignation from the leadership of both the EPRDF and the Government.

As per the terms of my resignation letter, the SEPDM and EPRDF executive committees have thanked me for formally tendering my resignation in accordance with the constitution and have subsequently accepted my resignation. This resignation will receive a final decision from the EPRDF Council and it is my hope that this decision will be taken at the soon to be held meeting of the Council.

With regard to my post as Prime Minister of the Federal Government, the House of Peoples Representatives has also received my resignation from the premiership and it is my belief that they will subsequently accept my resignation.

The main reason I have submitted my resignation is because I hold the firm belief that it was necessary for me to tender it as part of a solution aimed at ensuring lasting peace and guaranteeing democracy in our country going forward.

The many questions and grievances that have been raised by the public require and demand answers.

In the meantime, I will continue to serve in my current position.

The EPRDF Council, at its next meeting, will democratically elect a new chairperson to replace me in accordance with the Front’s rules and procedures.

It is also my belief, that the Front and the Government will work to ensure the peaceful transfer of power – a first in the history of our country. Accordingly, I anticipate that following this peaceful transition, a time will come when I will be referred to as the former Prime Minister.

I wish to take this opportunity to urge the public, and especially our young people, to work towards the maintenance and advancement of our rapid economic development, the strengthening of our nascent democracy and party-system.

For this, it is my firm belief that the reforms commenced by the EPRDF and the Government, which are currently underway, must be strengthened and advanced.

Additionally, as poverty is the primary cause of the many problems we currently face, it must be confronted at every turn by continuing the good work we have started across the country.

The situation our country currently finds itself in is cause for concern but in order to alleviate these concerns, I call on the public-at-large to maintain the togetherness of our society as has been practiced across generations and to continue to play their part in the development of our country.

Going forward, once the peaceful transition of power receives a final endorsement by the House of Peoples’ Representatives, I will provide a further statement on that occasion.

However, at this juncture, it was necessary to keep the public updated of the current situation as it develops, in order to ensure the public’s stake in the resolution of these challenges and to emphasise its critical role, going forward, in guaranteeing lasting peace, democracy and good governance in our country.

I remain prepared to play my part in all ongoing reforms and processes for the time that I have left in office.

Thus, I wish to again respectfully ask the people of Ethiopia for their continued efforts to safeguard the peace and advance the development of our country.

Thank you.