Ethiopia’s Prime Mininter Abiy Ahmed has replaced the country’s first female Defence Minister, Aisha Mohammed, giving the post to the influential Oromia regional president Lema Megersa. Mr Abiy did not give reasons for the decision, but it comes amid growing concern about ethnic conflict in the country. Mr Lema has a strong security background, having previously served as Oromia’s police commissioner and head of security. He played a major role in pushing for political reforms and propelling Mr Abiy to power in April 2018. Last year, Mr Abiy made history by becoming the first Ethiopian prime minister to allocate 50% of cabinet posts to women.

Source: Ethiopian News April 18, 2019 12:00 UTC