Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn resigned Thursday after long-running political turmoil, an unprecedented move in the vast East African country. The decision by Hailemariam, in power since 2012, comes after months of escalating anti-government protests and signs of growing splits within the country's ruling coalition. "My decision is to be part of the ongoing reform programmes," Hailemariam said, according to state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate. "I believe my party and government will make history again by conducting (a) peaceful power transition," he added. Unlike many in the ruling elite, Hailemariam was not part of the rebel movement which toppled the Derg.

Source: Ethiopian News February 15, 2018 18:33 UTC