BAHIR DAR, EVN (August 25) — The Amhara Regional Council, currently operating under a six-month state of emergency declared by the federal government, has named Arega Kebede as President of the region, succeeding Dr. Yelkal Kefale.
The decision was unveiled today during the the council’s emergency meeting held in Bahir Dar convened to discuss the prevailing security and political crisis in the region.
Arega Kebede’s appointment comes in the aftermath of Dr. Yelkal Kefale’s resignation from his position as the region’s president. Dr. Yelkal led the Amhara region for 23 months. His resignation request was approved by the council earlier today.
Addressing the council, Dr. Yelkal acknowledged that although he had submitted his resignation letter to his party eight months prior, prevailing circumstances had compelled him to continue. He expressed gratitude that his party had accepted his decision, stating, “I have fulfilled the responsibility given to me by the people and the government to the best of my ability.”
In the course of an emergency meeting convened by the council, Yilkal stressed the imperative of prioritizing governmental order in the face of the current security landscape. Dr. Yelkal cautioned against relying on external armed forces, drawing parallels to strife-ridden regions such as Yemen and Somalia. He also voiced concerns about the challenges burdening the populace, advocating for a leadership shift through elections rather than an exercise of power.
The federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency followed escalating clashes between armed forces and Fano militants across various areas of the Amhara region. The situation, deemed beyond the control of regular law enforcement, prompted the need for emergency measures. The conflict has caused extensive damage to civilian lives, and government structures, and resulted in the loss of government officials’ lives.
Arega Kebeden assumes the leadership in the midst of this state of emergency, the region braces for new directions under his guidance. The legacy of his predecessor, Dr. Yelkal Kefale, is marked by a tenure fraught with challenges, accomplishments, and a complex political climate that continues to shape the Amhara region’s trajectory.
Meanwhile. Arega is said to be close to security chief Temesgen Tiruneh, who has been appointed to head the implementation of the state of emergency.
