Ethiopian Defence Minister Lemma Megerssa and two other top officials have been temporarily suspended from the ruling Prosperity Party’s central committee.
Mr Lemma was once a close ally of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and a key figure in the country’s political and economic reform over the past few years.
Prior to being appointed as a defence minister, he was the head of the country’s most populous state, Oromia.
But last November, Mr Lemma publicly criticised the prime minister’s efforts to reorganise and rebrand the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Party - a coalition of four ethnic based parties that has been in power since the early 1990s.
The party was renamed as Prosperity Party.
He also cast doubts on Mr Abiy’s philosophy of Medemer (coming together).
The announcement of his suspension comes after the Oromia wing of the ruling party held a two-day summit in the wake of ethnic and religious violence that claimed the lives of more than 170 people.
A spokesperson for the party accused Mr Lemma of disregarding the party and his duties.
It’s not yet clear if Mr Lemma will continue holding the position of defence minister.
Teyba Hassen, who was Mr Lemma’s deputy when he was head of Oromia state, is also among those suspended for reasons that are related to the recent violence, the spokesperson said.
Latest Stories
-
Today’s front pages: Friday, May 3, 2024
14 mins -
CAFCC: USM Alger file appeal at CAS to contest CAF’s decisions on RS Berkane jersey
1 hour -
Africa’s Outstanding Professional, Engr. Ebenezer Kwadjo Dankyi
1 hour -
Deloitte Ghana wins Africa ESG Company of the Year 2024
3 hours -
Medical Laboratory Professionals threaten to strike over conditions of service
5 hours -
Residents of Anloga, Keta express frustration over ECG billing
5 hours -
I don’t believe in praying in tongues – Strongman
5 hours -
‘After The floods’: VRA and GMet clash over cause of Akosombo Dam spillage disaster
5 hours -
‘After The Floods’: Victims suffer harsh conditions 6 months after Akosombo dam disaster
6 hours -
Akufo-Addo to unveil Otumfuo commemorative stamp
6 hours -
EduSpots distributes over 100 tablets and laptops to 30 community-led education spaces
6 hours -
Taxation is driving away investors – FABAG General Secretary
7 hours -
Effutu MP commissions office for Hepatitis B; absorbs cost of testing, vaccination and management
7 hours -
Bawumia pushes for land digitisation to tackle land guard menace
7 hours -
Faith-based institutions are instrumental in national development – Bawumia
7 hours