Employees of Ethiopian parliament do not know why the meeting had to be closed.
Source : DW
borkena
December 25,2017
On December 20, borkena reported that a considerable number of members of the federal parliament, mainly from Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) and Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) boycotted parliament until prime minister Hailemariam Desalgne appear in the parliament to explain the situation in connection with rising ethnic violence in the country which claimed lives.
Hailemariam Desalenge appeared today in parliament in response to their demand but unlike previous parliamentary sessions his appearance today was in closed door, according to deutsche welle Amharic service report. The report noted that usually parliamentary regular sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, not Monday which is also unusual.
DW Amharic cited sources in the parliament to report that in addition to journalists employees in the parliament were not allowed in to the question and answer session which was called by protesting parliamentarians.
No other detail is known to the public and employees of the parliament except that the prime minister had “discussion” with members of the parliament.
The news source further noted that the parliament made amendments two years ago and that it is within its legal rights to have closed meeting which can be requested either by members of parliament or the executive body. However, there need to be the support of at least 50 percent of members of the parliament for a closed meeting to happen.
It is to be remembered that that members of house of representatives asked Prime minister Hailemariam Desalegne in his last appearance, a month or so ago, regarding ethnic violence and why the government was unable to stop it.
Renewed ethnic conflict in South Eastern parts of Ethiopia and ethnic violence in University campus over the past several weeks were blamed on government, particularly what was so far dominant party in the ruling coalition, TPLF.
Leaked information that appeared on social media from last week claim that prime minister is highly criticized for his failure to act as a leader in time of crisis and he has reportedly disclosed interest to resign from his position.
The executive committee of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) hinted that it will pass a tough decision when it completes its ongoing meeting. On the other hand, there is clear sign, the party has partially admitted in a statement it issued last week, the party is living an irredeemable split.
Bereket Simon, who was once an influential official and close confidant of the late Meles Zenawi and who is now resigned, hinted a few months ago that the party is facing the danger of split.
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