Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI): Thee Ethiopian parliament has appointed Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie as the country’s new president, marking transition in leadership.
Taye’s selection comes as the term of current president Sahle-Work Zewde wraps up after six years at the helm, making way for new leadership in Africa’s second-most populous country.
In a formal ceremony held before both chambers of parliament—the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives and the Ethiopian House of Federation—Taye was sworn in as the new president.
WHO IS TAYE ATSKE-SELASSIE?
Taye Atske-Selassie brings with him a wealth of experience from a three-decade-long diplomatic career. He has served as Ethiopia’s permanent representative to the United Nations and held the position of foreign minister since February of this year.
Before his role as foreign minister, he was an adviser on foreign policy to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, further solidifying his credentials for this new position.
WHAT DID TAYE SAY IN HIS FIRST SPEECH AS ETHIOPIA’S PRESIDENT?
In his inaugural address to parliament, Taye expressed his unwavering dedication to serving Ethiopia and its citizens. He emphasized the importance of national unity and collaboration in overcoming challenges.
“Ethiopia’s strength lies in foresight and patience. We must advance by steering clear of divisive thoughts,” he stated to the assembled lawmakers.
He called for collective efforts to maintain harmony while addressing socioeconomic and governance issues, highlighting the need to build on recent achievements.
Taye noted that Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reforms are yielding tangible results, transforming challenges into opportunities. He urged all Ethiopians to unite in pursuit of the nation’s developmental goals.
TAYE’S PREDECESSOR, SAHLE-WORK
Sahle-Work Zewde made history in October 2018 when she became Ethiopia’s first female president, succeeding Mulatu Teshome.
A respected diplomat, Sahle-Work has represented Ethiopia across various global and regional platforms, including the United Nations and the African Union. She has also served as Ethiopia’s ambassador to multiple countries.
A PRESIDENT’S ROLE IN ETHIOPIA AS HEAD OF STATE
In Ethiopia’s parliamentary system, the president holds primarily ceremonial powers. These responsibilities include granting pardons, officially opening parliamentary sessions, receiving foreign ambassadors, and presenting annual goals to lawmakers.
The prime minister serves as the head of government, leading a coalition or party that commands at least 51 percent of the seats in the House of People’s Representatives, which is the lower house of parliament.
(MOFA photo shows a swearing-in ceremony of Taye as the new president of Ethiopia before both chambers of parliament — the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives and the Ethiopian House of Federation.)
