Abbay Media
Shiberu Tamerat
A growing number of Ethiopian People’s Democratic Revolutionary Front (EPDRF) MPs are asking Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegne to explain the political chaos and the ethnic strife gripping the country.
MPs of Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) and Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization (OPDO), two of the four-member parties comprising EPDRF, gathered with their respective party members and took a stand to not resume normal parliament business unless the PM answers their questions.
The PM made it officially known that Mr. Gedu (ANDM chair) and Mr. Lemma (OPDO chair) are behind the decisions to not proceed with the daily business of parliament until the demands made by members of parliament are met.
Members of parliament were waiting to hear from Mrs. Shetaye Menale, vice speaker of the house, regarding the request they made to the prime minister. Parliament session for last Tuesday and Thursday were canceled.
The director of public relations for parliament denied having any knowledge of the demands made by members of parliament.
Tigrayan People Liberation Front (TPLF) and a portion of Southern Ethiopian Peoples’ Democratic Movement (SEPDM) on one side and ANDM and OPDO on the other side are at a standoff. ANDM and OPDO hold a majority seat in parliament and has TPLF (ruling party) worried.
The timing of the demand made by members of parliament could not have come at a worse time for EPDRF where it’s executive members are tied in a contentious meeting at the same time.
