East African bloc congratulates Ethiopia's new PM

ADDIS ABABA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) congratulated Ethiopia's new Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who was eventually named as Chairperson of the East African bloc upon his appointment as Ethiopia's premier.

IGAD, in a statement issued late on Monday, also commended the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) for the "wise and principled election of its new Chairperson," who is also the head of the Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO), one of the four coalition member parties of the ruling party.

Ahmed, who was unanimously endorsed by the Ethiopian House People's Representatives as Ethiopia's new Prime Minister on Monday, was named as Chair of the East African bloc, a position that was held by the former premier, Hailemariam Desalegn.

"Ethiopia, which has embarked on a path of a truly astonishing rapid economic growth, has also been faced with formidable challenges that usually accompany such growth processes," the statement read.

"It is with this backdrop that the election of Abyi Ahmed was timely and eagerly awaited for," the statement read.

"IGAD strongly believes that Dr. Abiy Ahmed, one of the young, dynamic and highly educated members of the EPRDF leadership is up to the mark to lead the Coalition which has deservedly been applauded as the architect of Ethiopia's bench mark status regarding the economic and social progress in our continent," the statement added.

IGAD further stressed that mush work is needed to be accomplished to the betterment of Ethiopia, which has more than 100 million people. "IGAD is confident that he will accomplish his task with great commitment and dedication."

IGAD also vowed to working with Ahmed's administration and to "benefiting from his wisdom, statesmanship and leadership." Enditem