(WIC) – Hailemariam Dessalegn and Demeke Mekonnen today sworn in as Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, respectively.

Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Chairman of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), told parliamentarians that the appointment was made based on the succession plan of the Front.

Hailemariam has second degrees both in Water Engineering and Management Science, Demeke said, adding he was also served as vice president and president of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Regional State. 

Following his sworn in as a Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalgn, pledged to work hard so as to bring the vision of the late PM Meles Zenawi real, adding the legacy of late PM Meles will  continue without any fragmentation.

Meles’ Five-Year Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) will be implemented effectively; PM Hailemariam said, adding that the Great Renaissance Dam, which is part and parcel of the GTP, will be finalized if possible ahead of schedule.

According to PM Hailemariam, the activities underway to change the lives of Ethiopian farmers will be strengthened. He also vowed to intensify the struggle against rent seeking and corruption. (WIC)