Demeke Zewdu

Colonel Demeke Zewdu is an Ethiopian politician and former army officer who is a key figure in Welkait dispute, advocating Amhara self-government over Welkait district.

An ardent supporter of Amhara nationalism,

Life and career Demeke Zewdu was born into a farming family, and grew up in Telelo, in southern Welkait Tegede.

Demeke served as the head of Wolkait Committee in 2015, which was consisted of 20 members at that time. In 2016, Demeke was arrested by the government security force in Gondar after he reportedly killed one of security enforcers in a firefight. He then subsequently transferred to Tigray custody after decision to move in Gondar prison was challenged by residents of Gondar. In February 2018, it was reported that charges against Demeke, General Asaminew Tsige, General Tefera Mamo, Nigist Yirga, Getachew Adamu, Atalay Zerfe and more than 90 others is dropped. Demeke was released from prison on 19 February 2018.