Abiye Ahmed Is Ethiopia’s New Prime Minister

Ethiopia’s prime minister-elect Abiye Ahmed is learned to be taking oath on April 2, Monday, said Ethiopian parliament.

The 42-year-old won 108 out of 180 votes to succeed Hailemariam Desalegn as the chairperson of the ruling coalition, Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).

Ahmed becomes the first prime minister from Oromo ethnic group. His predecessor resigned last month after resisting pressure of protests in the Oromiya and Ahmara regions where it is said the people are marginalized politically and economically.

The two groups make up about 61 percent of the Ethiopian population and since 2015 they have staged mass demonstrations for greater political inclusion.

Hailemariam was from small Wollayta ethnic group.

Critics have started questioning whether the new prime minister would be able to control the protests.