The House of Federation (HoF) has officially elected Mufriat Kamil as its new Speaker during the opening of the first regular session of the upper house's seventh parliamentary term. Alongside her appointment, the House announced the election of Mr. Desta Ledamo as Deputy Speaker. Mufriat brings extensive experience in government and leadership, having previously served as Minister of Women's Affairs and Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives.
Mufriat previously served as Minister of Women's Affairs from November 2009 to October 2011, contributing policy initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality and social welfare. Her tenure in the lower house included serving as Government Chief Whip with the rank of State Minister and as Chairperson of the Transport Standing Committee. She has also transitioned into the executive branch, assuming sensitive and demanding portfolios, including Minister of Peace and Minister of Labor and Skills.
Mufriat's career trajectory reflects extensive service at the regional and local levels. She previously served as Deputy Head of the Women's Affairs Bureau for the former Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), Advisor to the Regional President, Head of Community Participation and Mobilization in the Siltie Zone, and Head of the Cooperative Office in the Abeshge District of the Gurage Zone. Her experience also includes serving as Vice President of the Meles Zenawi Leadership Academy and as Advisor to the Prime Minister on Social Affairs.
Desta Ledamo, elected as Deputy Speaker of the House, brings a notable record of regional leadership. He served as the first President of the Sidama National Regional State from June 2020 until October 2026. He assumed the regional presidency following the historic November 2019 referendum that established Sidama as Ethiopia's tenth regional state and was subsequently re-elected by the Sidama Regional Council in September 2021.
Prior to regional statehood, Desta Ledamo served as Chief Administrator of the Sidama Zone during its transition into a formal region. His election as Deputy Speaker brings a wealth of experience in regional leadership and administration. The HoF's decision to elect Mufriat Kamil and Desta Ledamo reflects the institution's efforts to leverage experienced leaders to drive its agenda.
Mufriat Kamil's return to legislative leadership is significant, given her previous tenure as Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives in 2018. Her appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the HoF. The House will likely focus on addressing key national issues, including economic development, social welfare, and regional stability.
The election of Mufriat Kamil and Desta Ledamo is expected to have a positive impact on the HoF's operations and effectiveness. Their experience and expertise will likely contribute to the House's efforts to promote national dialogue, stability, and development. The HoF plays a critical role in promoting federalism and regional cooperation in Ethiopia.
Key points
- Mufriat Kamil's extensive experience in government and leadership makes her well-suited to drive the HoF's agenda.
- The election of Desta Ledamo as Deputy Speaker brings a wealth of experience in regional leadership and administration.
- Mufriat Kamil's return to legislative leadership is significant, given her previous tenure as Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives in 2018.
