The controversy surrounding the Addis Abeba Chamber of Commerce & Sectoral Associations (AACCSA) has escalated as board member Abera Abegaz demands enforcement of a court ruling that overturned his suspension and reinstated his right to participate in the Chamber’s General Assembly.

Abera’s lawyer, Sintayehu Zeleke, submitted a letter on January 28, 2025, to AACCSA, Mesenbet Shenkute, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce & Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), and the Commercial & Investment Bench of the Federal First Instance Court.

The letter seeks a timeline for implementing the court-approved settlement, which includes retracting Abera’s suspension and holding the 18th General Assembly under the Chamber’s established legal framework.



The dispute began when former AACCSA President Mesenbet Shenkute expelled Abera from the board on December 18, 2024, citing disciplinary issues. She also barred him from contesting in the 18th General Assembly election.

Abera challenged the decision in court on December 25, 2024, arguing that his removal was unlawful and that Mesenbet had violated Chamber regulations by dissolving the Credential Committee, which is responsible for vetting board candidates.

Fearing that the election would render his lawsuit moot, Abera requested an injunction to halt the General Assembly. On January 8, 2025, Federal First Instance Court Judge Gerawork Yitbarek granted the injunction, suspending the assembly three days before its scheduled date. The court directed both parties to reach an out-of-court settlement or proceed with legal proceedings.


Abera also challenged the board’s decision to allow non-members to participate in the election, arguing it was a violation of the Chamber’s bylaws.

At the heart of the dispute is a controversial proposal to amend the Chamber’s constitution. Mesenbet Shenkute’s restructuring plan would make membership mandatory for all 480,000 licensed businesses in Addis Abeba, ending the long-standing voluntary system. Abera claims this violates the Chamber’s founding principles and undermines its legitimacy by forcing businesses to join.



Mesenbet defended the plan as essential to strengthening the Chamber’s financial and institutional capacity. She argued that the current voluntary model fails to meet the needs of the city's private sector.

Abera, however, alleged that his vocal opposition led Mesenbet and the board to dismiss him, sidelining dissent and fast-tracking the bylaw changes.


A major shareholder of A.Y. NOBLE Inspection & Surveillance Service and a board member of Zemen Bank, Abera argues the mandatory membership plan is a power grab designed to consolidate control. He claims his confrontation with Mesenbet at a board meeting over the issue was later used as an excuse for his removal.

On January 14, Abera and the defendants, Mesenbet and the Chamber, agreed to settle. Their agreement required Mesenbet to retract Abera’s suspension, reinstate his candidacy, and conduct the General Assembly in accordance with the 2003 Chambers of Commerce & Sectoral Association Establishment Proclamation and the Chamber’s 2011 regulation.


The next day, the court ratified the settlement, lifted the injunction, and ordered both parties to comply with the terms.

Despite the agreement, AACCSA proceeded with a contentious election the next day, electing a new board.

In a dramatic turnaround, on January 16, 2025, just one day after the injunction was lifted, the Chamber held an election. Businesswoman Zahara Mohammed was elected president, replacing Mesenbet Shenkute. The new board also includes President Zahara Mohammed, Vice President Abebe Gurmesa, Sara Solomon, Addisu Getahun, Zahra Ahmed, Mesfin Gared, Damte Dagnew, Habtamu Hailu, Aychiluhim Kebede, Tesfaye Gebrekidan, and Girumnesh Yimer.

The previous board, before the disputed election, comprised President Mesenbet Shenkute, Vice President Fasikaw Sisay, Kibret Abebe, Asfaw Alemu, Melaku Kebede, Abera Abegaz, Alemayehu Nigatu, Sara Solomon, Abebe Gurmesa, Suleiman Fereja, and Gizachew Tekalign.

On January 28, Abera sent a letter to AACCSA, Mesenbet, ECCSA, and the Commercial & Investment Bench, demanding a timeline for the agreement’s implementation. His requests included holding the 18th General Assembly as agreed and retracting the suspension letter issued by Mesenbet.

Abera’s letter to the Chamber and the court demands clarity on when the agreed terms will be fulfilled, including the proceedings of the 18th General Assembly and the formal retraction of his suspension.


The court ordered the disputing parties to adhere to the agreement and conduct the General Assembly in compliance with the Chamber’s proclamation and bylaws. A source close to the matter explains that these include the reinstatement of the Credentials Committee, which was previously dissolved by Mesenbet, setting the date and venue for the General Assembly, and sending invitations.

The Committee is responsible for vetting candidates for the presidency and board positions to ensure they meet eligibility requirements. The bylaws of the Chamber allows only verified members to participate in the elections and the vote must be conducted via secret ballot.

Mesenbet’s reform plan aimed to restructure the Chamber, including allowing non-members to participate in board elections.

Established in 1947 and restructured in 2003, the Chamber represents 17,000 members.



PUBLISHED ON Feb 02,2025 [ VOL 25 , NO 1292]


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