Like Zuma, Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Desalegn resigns amid unrest, political crisis
In less than 24 hours President Jacob Zuma resigns from his position, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn submitted his letter of resignation.
In a televised address on Thursday, February 15, Desalegn confirmed his resignation as both prime minister and the chairman of the ruling coalition.
Desalegn’s resignation came amid a political crisis and lingering unrest in the Horn of Africa country, which has been releasing thousands of prisoners to ease tensions.
Hundreds of people have died in violence sparked, initially, by an urban development plan for the capital, Addis Ababa.
The unrest spread in 2015 and 2016 as demonstrations against political restrictions and human rights abuses broke out.
Desalegn, however, said “Unrest and a political crisis have led to the loss of lives and displacement of many.”
“I see my resignation as vital in the bid to carry out reforms that would lead to sustainable peace and democracy,” he added.
