Ethiopia's Desalegn Resigns as Prime Minister

Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, has resigned from his government post, as well as chairman of the ruling coalition. The announcement was made amid a political crisis in the Horn of Africa country.

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In a televised address to the nation, Desalegn said “Unrest and a political crisis have led to the loss of lives and displacement of many...I see my resignation as vital in the bid to carry out reforms that would lead to sustainable peace and democracy.”

Desalegn confirmed that he will remain as prime minister but only in a caretaker capacity. The embattled politician said he will step down as soon as the ruling People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, as well as the country's parliament, accept his written resignation and announce a substitute premier.

Desalegn previously served as deputy prime minister and foreign minister under former Ethiopian leader Meles Zenawi. In 2013, he was elected chairman of the African Union. When Zenawi passed away in 2012, Desalegn assumed the prime minister position.

Hundreds of people lost their lives in Addis Ababa after an urban development plan was approved for the capital city. Discord and turmoil escalated in 2015 and 2016 as protests aimed at human rights abuses and political restrictions increased, according to Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, protests and planned strikes have turned into widespread celebrations in the Oromia region as political prisoners are unconditionally released by the Ethiopian government. Some of those that have been freed included opposition leader Bekele Gerba and top blogger Eskinder Nega, according to Africa News.