Ambachew Mekonnen (c. 1971 – June 22, 2019) was an Ethiopian politician who served as the President of the Amhara Region, one of Ethiopia's ten regional states, from March 2019 until his assassination in June 2019. A prominent member of the Amhara Democratic Party (ADP), one of the four parties that constituted the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition, Ambachew held various high-level positions within the Ethiopian government throughout his career.
Early Life and Education
Born around 1971 in the Amhara Region, Ambachew Mekonnen pursued higher education, earning a PhD in Economics. He was known for his academic background and intellectual contributions to policy discussions.
Political Career
Ambachew Mekonnen's political career saw him rise through the ranks of the Amhara Democratic Party (ADP) and the broader EPRDF coalition. Before becoming regional president, his notable roles included:
- Minister of Industry: He served as the federal Minister of Industry, playing a key role in national industrial policy and development initiatives.
- Advisor to the Prime Minister: He held advisory positions, contributing to national policy formulation and strategic planning.
- Head of the Amhara Region's Urban Development and Housing Bureau: This role highlighted his involvement in regional governance and development.
In March 2019, Ambachew was appointed President of the Amhara Region, succeeding Gedu Andargachew. His appointment came at a time of significant political transition and ethnic tensions in Ethiopia. As regional president, he was responsible for leading the administration of one of Ethiopia's most populous and politically significant regions.
Assassination
Ambachew Mekonnen was assassinated on June 22, 2019, during what the Ethiopian government described as a thwarted coup attempt in Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara Region. He was killed at his office by his security detail, along with his advisor Ezez Wassie and the Amhara regional attorney general Migbaru Kebede. The incident was part of a coordinated attack that also saw the Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, General Se'are Mekonnen, and a retired general, Major General Geza'i Abera, killed in Addis Ababa on the same day.
The government accused Brigadier General Asaminew Tsige, the head of Amhara region's peace and security bureau, of orchestrating the coup attempt. Asaminew Tsige was later killed by security forces. Ambachew's death sent shockwaves across Ethiopia, highlighting the fragile political landscape and ongoing challenges to stability.
Legacy
Ambachew Mekonnen's death left a significant void in the leadership of the Amhara Region and the broader Ethiopian political scene. He is remembered for his academic background, his dedication to public service, and his efforts in regional and national development, even as his tenure as regional president was tragically cut short. His assassination became a symbol of the political turmoil that gripped Ethiopia in the late 2010s.