Prime Ministers Of Ethiopia Through History
Prime Ministers of Ethiopia are the chairpersons of the Council of Ministers of Ethiopia who, in accordance to the current Constitution of Ethiopia, is appointed by the President with the approval of the House of Peoples’ Representatives. This article will provide a look into the history of the Prime Ministers of Ethiopia, all the way from its formal establishment in the 19th century to its modern day appointments.
Establishing the Role of Prime Minister
The role of Prime Minister was formally established in the 19th century, when the country was under the rule of Emperor Menelik II. Emperor Menelik was an Ethiopian sovereign of the ruling Solomonic Dynasty. He was the first Emperor of modern Ethiopia, reigning from 1889 to his death in 1913. He is remembered as a major political figurehead who set up the foundation for modern-day Ethiopia.
Prior to the role of Prime Minister, the role of Regent was held by a prominent figurehead, who held executive and legislative powers as the Emperor’s representative. The Regent was also responsible for maintaining and expanding the diplomatic relationship with the country’s foreign counterparts.
Under Emperor Menelik, the position of Prime Minister was formed in 1894, and Ras Gobena Dacche and Ras Wolde Giyorgis were appointed to the position.
First and Second Prime Ministers of Ethiopia
Ras Gobena Dacche was the first Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He was born and raised in the provinces of Harar and Gallazzi, which occupy the modern-day Somali region of Ethiopia. Ras Gobena served three separate terms as Prime Minister of Ethiopia and was a successful leader in his own right, leading several successful campaigns throughout the Ogaden and Somali regions of Ethiopia, as well as into the southern and eastern parts of the country.
Ras Wolde Giyorgis was the second Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He was born and raised in Yejju, Wollo and served as Prime Minister from 1895 to 1896. While in the position, he was responsible for establishing the first modern government of Ethiopia, which had an organized administration and an orderly treasury. In addition, he helped Emperor Menelik to develop an army and modernize the agricultural industry.
Other Notable Prime Ministers
Other notable Prime Ministers of Ethiopia throughout its history include Prime Minister Hayla Gebre Selassie, who served from 1968 to 1975; Prime Minister Aklilu Habte-Wold, who served from 1961 to 1974; and Prime Minister Endelkachew Makonnen, who served from 1960 to 1961. All of these leaders were responsible for overseeing the implementation of various reforms, modernizations and advancements to the Ethiopian government and economy, such as the implementation of a new bidding process for government contracts, the introduction of modern banking and financial institutions, and the progressive expansion of educational and health services.
Prime Ministers of the Revolutionary Period
The Prime Minister role underwent a major transformation during the Derg period (1974-1987), when Ethiopia was under the rule of a military dictatorship. During this period, the Prime Minister was the head of the ruling junta, known as the Derg, rather than being appointed by the Emperor.
Under the Derg led by Prime Minister Mengistu Haile Mariam, Ethiopia underwent a period of rapid economic and political transformation, during which a series of socialist-inspired programs were implemented. Prime Minister Mengistu also forged close economic and military ties with the Soviet Union.
The Most Recent Prime Ministers of Ethiopia
Following the fall of the Derg regime in 1991, the role of Prime Minister was re-established and became a significant source of power in active politics. The modern-day Prime Minister of Ethiopia is appointed under the orders of the president and with the approval of the House of People’s Representatives.
Since 1991, the following Prime Ministers have served Ethiopia:
• Tamrat Layne (1995-2000)
• Meles Zenawi (1995-2012)
• Hailemariam Desalegn (2012-2018)
• Abiy Ahmed (2018-Present)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is the current Prime Minister of Ethiopia and is the leader of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Coalition. He was elected in 2018 and since then has overseen a period of reform and modernization in Ethiopia, all the while advocating for the development of strong economic, security and diplomatic ties with foreign nations.
The Prime Minister is one of the most powerful figures in Ethiopia. Throughout its history, the role has been held by numerous influential and influential leaders who have helped to shape the country as we know it today. As the role continues to evolve, the Prime Minister remains an essential source of power in active politics, responsible for overseeing the economic and political transformation of Ethiopia.
