I was writing a review of the Cabinet reshuffle. But I got stuck on a few points. One of them is EPRDF's key strategist and power-broker Bereket Simon.

I was writing a review of the Cabinet reshuffle. But I got stuck on a few points. One of them is EPRDF's key strategist and power-broker Bereket Simon.

Bereket is appointed as PM adviser of Policy and Research adviser with the rank of Minister. Redwan Hussein replaced him as head of Office for Gov't Communication affairs with the rank of Minister.

It looks like Bereket is demoted since research and planning is hardly given much attention in Ethiopian organizations. But then, who would have considered "government spokesperson" a big deal if the guy wasn't Bereket?

In the absence of Meles Zenawi & with the establishment of Central Planning Commission, led by a non-EPRDF technocrat; Is Bereket becoming our planner-in-chief? (under the pretext of overseeing the Commission & providing political guidance)?
Expect this communist-sounding commission to have branches in all regions.

Leaving the Gov't Comm. Office doesn't necessarily mean Bereket won't be preparing our daily propaganda bread. Last I checked, he oversees the state and party media formally and informally. I'm not sure how fast he would/could abandon those responsibilities. Not to forget, Redwan himself is his close ally.

Oh, he is going to be attending PM Hailemariam Desalegne's daily consultation and briefing meetings too. Right?

Am I missing something here? Or, is my analysis biased because Bereket tops the list of my favorite EPRDF officials? (believe it or not, he is the most polite government employee I ever met in my life!)

I would have wished him good luck but I doubt he needs it.
His power base (and alliance) encompasses at-least 3 of the 4 EPRDF parties besides the senior military Generals.

So, what should I write about Bereket's "new appointment"? Promoted, demoted, retiring?

— feeling confused.