Ethio-Somali regional state leader quits after feud with Addis Ababa

JIGJIGA, Ethiopia - The embattled President of Ethiopia's Somali region, Abdi Mohamud Omar has on Monday stepped down following unrest in Jigjiga, the state's administrative capital, Garowe Online reports.

Garowe Online's Somali language news website earlier reported that the state's Finance Minister Ahmed Abdi Ilkacase was appointed as regional president, replacing Omar who has been at loggerheads with Addis Ababa for months.

The anticipated resignation came days after military soldiers from the Federal Government of Ethiopia wrested control of Jigjiga, triggering widespread looting and violence that killed dozens of people.

However, the Federal Government of Ethiopia nor the Somali regional state authorities have confirmed the news about the resignation of Omar who has been in office since 2005.

The move is seen as part of the efforts to restore law and order in the conflict-hit areas in the Horn of Africa country through dialogue, which is spearheaded by PM Abiy Ahmed who assumed office last April.

Since coming to power, Ahmed made peace with Eritrea, freed political prisoners, including ONLF rebel commander Abdikarim Qalbi-Dhagah and promised to liberalise the economy.

His election by the ruling coalition [EPRDF] in late March, after the previous premier resigned in February, was viewed as a victory for reformist elements.

- Biography of the incoming President -

Born on July 1986 in Garbo district, Ethiopia,

Graduated from Diredawe and Bahardar Universities in Ethiopia 2012 and 2017 respectively,

Studied Accounting and Finance at Diredawe University as well as Disaster Risk Management and Sustainable Development (DRM&SD) at Bahardar University.

Served as the finance head of Godey town,

Became mayor of Qabridahare town,

He is a member of the country's ruling ESPDP party,

Lately, he was the Minister of Finance for the regional state.

GAROWE ONLINE