Following the announcement of Meles Zenawi’s death this morning, the state-controlled ETV reported that Hailemariam Dessalegn has been appointed as acting prime minister of Ethiopia, confirming Ethiopian review’s breaking news Saturday, August 18.
The ruling TPLF junta reached an agreement on Hailemariam’s appointment early last week at the urging of Gen. Carter F. Ham, head of the U.S. Africa Command (Africom).
On Monday, Africom issued a statement denying Ethiopian Review’s report.
The TPLF junta was ready to announce Meles’s death on Friday, but decided to postpone it until this morning because of the anticipated massive protest rally by Ethiopian Muslims on the Eid al-Fitr holiday, Sunday.
The TPLF junta is currently being led by Seyoum Mesfin. Hailemariam will be a figurehead prime minister, the same as Girma Woldegiorgis is a fake president. The real power will be controlled by Seyoum Mesfin, who is currently chairing the TPLF, according to Ethiopian Review Intelligence Unit sources.