Ethiopia’s Parliament has appointed former foreign minister Taye Atske-Selassie as the new president of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, following the resignation of Sahle-Work Zewde, the country’s first female president. Zewde, who had held the position since 2018, stepped down just days before the end of her term, amidst reports of a growing rift with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Sahle-Work Zewde’s presidency was considered historic, as she became the first woman to hold the highest ceremonial office in Ethiopia. Despite the symbolic significance of her appointment, her tenure was marred by challenges, especially regarding her relationship with the prime minister. The Ethiopian presidency is largely ceremonial, with political power concentrated in the hands of the prime minister. Zewde reportedly fell out with Abiy Ahmed over several key issues, most notably her perceived silence on crucial national matters, including gender-based violence during the conflict in the Tigray region.
Taye Atske-Selassie, a close ally of the prime minister, was sworn in on October 7, 2024, as Zewde’s successor. In his inaugural address, he pledged that Ethiopia would continue to play an active role in promoting peace and security in the Horn of Africa, particularly in addressing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. His presidency marks a shift, as he is seen as more aligned with Abiy Ahmed’s political vision, which includes strengthening Ethiopia’s regional influence.
The transition in Ethiopia’s presidency underscores the country’s shifting political landscape, with the power dynamics between the presidency and the prime minister’s office becoming more pronounced in recent years. While Zewde’s departure marks the end of a groundbreaking chapter for women in Ethiopian politics, her tenure highlighted the limited authority of the presidential office in Ethiopia’s political system.
The appointment of Taye Atske-Selassie comes at a critical time for Ethiopia, as the country continues to navigate internal conflicts and its role in regional stability. His close ties to the prime minister suggest a more unified approach to governance, but questions remain about how this will impact Ethiopia’s domestic and foreign policies moving forward.
