Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn quits

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has resigned after being in office for six years, the state news agency reports.

Ethiopian News Agency reported Thursday Desalegn had resigned both his position as premier and chairmanship pf the ruling party.

“Prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced that he has decided to leave both posts – EPRDF chairmanship and premiership,” the agency said.

“He said that he decided to resign from both posts to be part of the efforts to provide lasting solution to the current situation.”

Desalegn was sworn into office September 21, 2012 succeeding former strongman Meles Zenawi who died August 2012.

His resignation follows high profile exits last December which saw then House Speaker Abadula Gemeda and the PM’s adviser Bereket Simon resign.