News Desk

Ethiopia’s parliament has officially appointed Taye Astike Selassie as the new president, replacing Sahle-Work Zewde, the country’s first female head of state. Taye, who previously served as foreign minister, assumes a largely ceremonial role while political power remains with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Sahle-Work’s tenure has been marked by her advocacy for peace and gender equality, but reports suggest she experienced tensions with Abiy in recent years. In a recent post on X, she hinted at her dissatisfaction with the situation, indicating a desire to end her term, which concludes this month.

Throughout her presidency, Sahle-Work focused on peace initiatives but faced criticism for not addressing gender-based violence during Ethiopia’s two-year civil war in Tigray. She also expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in the Oromia and Amhara regions, where federal forces have clashed with local militias, leading to significant casualties and accusations of human rights violations.

Taye, 68, is a seasoned diplomat with experience at the UN and in Egypt, and is considered an ally of Prime Minister Abiy. His swearing-in marks a shift in Ethiopian leadership, leaving Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan as Africa’s only female head of state.