Top figure in Ethiopia's governing party steps down

Ethiopia’s long-serving Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen is stepping down from his prominent position within the governing Prosperity Party (PP).

The announcement was made during the ongoing convention of the PP's central committee.

Mr Demeke, who also serves as the country's foreign minister, will also depart from his ministerial positions, local media are reporting.

The politician hails from the country’s Amhara region that has been blighted by armed conflicts for the past six months.

He has been deputy prime minister since 2012 and became foreign minister in 2020.

Temesgen Tiruneh - the head of the intelligence service - has been elevated to deputy chair of the PP and according to reports could be appointed to Mr Demeke’s ministerial positions.

Further changes are expected as the party’s convention progresses.