Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has issued a series of high-level appointments for the Addis Ababa Police Commission, signaling a strategic transition in the capital’s security leadership.
Effective March 11, 2026, Lieutenant General Asrat Denero has been named the new Commissioner of the Addis Ababa Police. He succeeds Commissioner Getu Argaw, who has led the city’s police force for the past six years. This transition marks a significant shift, bringing a seasoned military veteran to the forefront of metropolitan law enforcement.
Lieutenant General Asrat Denero enters the role with a distinguished career within the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). Prior to this appointment, he served as the Chief of the Defense Peacekeeping Center, where he coordinated Ethiopia’s international security contributions under the United Nations and the African Union. His leadership experience also includes serving as the Commander of the Western Command, where he was responsible for safeguarding national sovereignty. His background in both domestic law enforcement support and international peacekeeping in regions like Sudan and Somalia is expected to bring a high level of discipline to the commission.
To support the new Commissioner, the Prime Minister also appointed Assistant Commissioner Tofik Meded and Ato Erziq Issa as Deputy Commissioners. Assistant Commissioner Tofik Meded is a well-known figure within the Federal Police, having previously served as the Head of the Crime Investigation General Department. His expertise in managing large-scale criminal investigations and his former role as Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Federal Police will be vital in strengthening the commission’s investigative capacity and its relationship with the public.
Complementing the security professionals, Ato Erziq Issa brings extensive experience from the civil service and political sectors. Having served as the Head of the Somali Region Prosperity Party Office, Erziq has a proven track record of managing complex political movements and regional administrative tasks. His experience in government communications and his involvement in federal-level development platforms provide a bridge between community interests and institutional policy, ensuring that the police force remains responsive to the administrative needs of the capital’s residents.
The reshuffle is viewed by many as an effort to integrate military precision with federal investigative expertise and regional administrative insight. By blending these diverse backgrounds, the government aims to modernize the security infrastructure of Addis Ababa and enhance the city’s ability to handle emerging urban challenges. As Lt. Gen. Asrat Denero takes the helm, the focus is expected to shift toward heightening operational readiness and fostering a transparent, community-oriented policing environment in Ethiopia’s largest metropolitan hub.