The Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed did not dismiss Billene Seyoum and Helen Yosef from their positions as spokespersons, an inside source has told Addis Standard.
Earlier reports said Abiy allegedly fired Billene and Helen and they were being replaced by Nigussu Tilahun and Kassahun Gofe. However, the insider claims that the Ethiopian Premier’s former aides were never fired. While Nigussu will now head the Press Secretariat Department of the Prime Minister, Kassahun will not be joining the team.
Nigussu will reportedly oversee the Amharic section of Prime Minister’s press team while Billene will lead the English and online news section.
Abiy’s appointment of female press aides in November was welcomed as a bold and progressive move. The office of the Ethiopian premier is yet to release an official statement on the recent developments. Bilene’s appointment had been questioned because of her Canadian nationality.
Abiy, who came into office in April, has made headlines for his peace initiatives and his appointment of women to high-ranking positions. […] CONTINUE READING
