Former Defense Chief and Controversial Envoy Bacha Debelle Conclude Diplomatic Postings Amid Anticipated September Government Shakeup
By Borkena Desk
TORONTO, Canada — Adem Mohammed, former Ethiopian Air Force commander and defense chief of staff, has concluded his tenure as Ethiopia’s ambassador to Turkey.
“…I thank the Government of Ethiopia for the profound honor of carrying our nation’s voice in Türkiye over the past five years…” he wrote on his Facebook page.
Calling Turkey a “second home,” he added, “As my five-year mission concludes, it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to the government and people of Türkiye—a nation that has truly become my second home.”
Members of the Ethiopian community in Istanbul organized a farewell event for him this week. “My final request to you is simple: stay united, keep supporting one another, and continue making our country proud,” he said.
His next role remains unspecified. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government is reportedly preparing a major reshuffle in September this year.
In a related development, General Bacha Debelle—who served as Ethiopia’s ambassador to Kenya over the past five years—is also returning to Ethiopia. Bacha has drawn controversy for his political remarks, most recently stating in a BBC Amharic interview that “Fano forces do not have a cause. They will not make it to Arat Kilo [the Palace]… what they need is money and they should discuss it with the government.”
Activists with sources in Ethiopia speculate that Bacha is likely to return to the military, though this remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
Adem’s next move is also unconfirmed. He previously served as Ethiopian Air Force commander between 2013 and 2018 and briefly as defense chief of staff from 2019 to 2020, following the assassination of General Seare Mekonnen. He also served as head of National Security and Intelligence.
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