Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed appoints opposition members in new cabinet

Two days after being sworn in following his party’s victory in the controversial June election, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced his new cabinet.

Three ministerial positions have gone to figures from opposition parties.

The leader of the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice party, Berhanu Nega, has been appointed minister of education.

Kejela Merdasa of the formerly banned Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) now holds the post of Minister of Culture and Sports.

Belete Molla, president of the National Movement of the Amhara (NaMA) party, has been appointed minister of innovation and technology.

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One notable appointment from Mr Abiy’s Prosperity Party (PP) is that of Abraham Belay as minister of defence.