Lemma Megersa


Lemma Megersa is an Ethiopian politician currently serves as the Minister of Defense of Ethiopia, and was the President of the Oromia regional state of Ethiopia and Deputy Chairman of the ruling party in the region, Oromo Democratic Party. He was appointed as minister on 18 April 2019. Since the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front has been renamed the Prosperity Party, Megersa has been independent.

Background

Lemma Megersa was born in East Wollega Sibu Sire Aanaa of oromia. He completed his secondary education at General Tadesse Biru Secondary School. He received a bachelor's degree from Addis Ababa University in Political Science and International Relations, and later graduated with a master's degree in International Relations from the same university.
Lemma served as speaker of Caffee, the Oromia regional parliament, before becoming regional president in October 2016.

Reforms

One of the first reforms Lemma tried to undertake was to prevent the interference of the federal police in the state affairs of Oromia region. He called for respect of the constitution and let the region exercise its constitutional power. In this regard, Lemma managed to limit and prevent the interference of the military in regional demonstrations, and regulating investments within Oromia Regional State.This however believed to have led to destructive mob demonstrations which regional forces are unable to curb like the one recently happened around Shashemene, Arsi, Bale and Jimma areas of the Oromia region which took away 160 lives and million dollars worth of the economy.
Lemma also took measures on investment projects that were operating in violation of rules or not benefiting the region. The regional government terminated the operating license of such businesses. Besides, a number of illegal mining companies were shut down.
His efforts to introduce reform and to unite the country led to The Economist describing him as "the country’s most popular politician".

Personal life

Megersa is a board member of the Assemblies of God in Ethiopia.