Berhanu Adelo, the new head of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has pledged to work cooperatively with the federal government, as legislators and others in the political arena question the Commissioner’s close ties with the ruling Prosperity Party.
Berhanu’s appointment ends a seven-month vacancy at the top of the Commission following the resignation of former Chief Commissioner Daniel Bekele (PhD) in June 2024. He was sworn in by Parliament as the new head of Ethiopia’s largest human rights organization earlier this week.
During the session, House Speaker Tagesse Chafo highlighted the rigorous selection process conducted by the parliamentary committee tasked with appointing the new EHRC head. The selection process saw 50 candidates, including 45 men and five women, nominated by the public.
Prior to Berhanu’s appointment, there was speculation that the acting Chief Commissioner, Rakeb Messele, would be a strong contender for the position.
According to the Speaker, Birhanu was chosen for his strong vision and plans for the Commission, and neutrality. The Ethiopian Constitution recognizes the EHRC as an independent human rights institution.
Speaking to the media following his appointment, Berhanu emphasized his commitment to improving human rights, raising awareness, and preventing abuses by working closely with the government.
“In my time as Commissioner, our work will be collaborative, not adversarial. We will achieve great things together,” he said. “We will uphold our institutional independence and respect for human rights, learning and growing from our experiences with the executive organ of government.”
Lawmakers have raised questions about Berhanu’s political affiliations.
A consultant and attorney at law, Berhanu has previously served as a cabinet minister, a director at the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office, and on the executive committee of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).
National Amhara Movement (NAMA) member Desalegn Chanie (PhD) inquired about Berhanu’s ties to the incumbent Prosperity Party, expressing concerns about the Commission’s neutrality.
However, the Speaker told MPs the appointee was free from political involvement and that the selection process was thorough and impartial.
In her congratulatory message, Rakeb Messele highlighted the need for strong leadership and effective human rights work in the current national context.
Still, others have expressed worries that Berhanu’s appointment could tarnish the reputation the Commission has built for itself over the last five years. Politician Jawar Mohammed is among those who oppose the appointment.
”Adelo is a recycled cadre who loyally served EPRDF’s repressive regime. His appointment is not an isolated case; one by one, the so-called “independent” leaders of key institutions, including the judiciary and the electoral board, have been replaced. Now, whatever remains of EHRC’s selective independence can finally be put to rest,” he wrote in a social media post this week.
