Ethiopia’s parliament has approved the appointment of Taye Astike Selassie as the country’s new president, replacing Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia’s first female head of state. Taye, who previously served as foreign minister, steps into the largely ceremonial role, with political power remaining in the hands of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Sahle-Work, who was appointed in 2018 with hopes of advancing gender equality in Ethiopian politics, had reportedly become estranged from Abiy in recent years. Sources close to her indicated she had been dissatisfied and was eagerly awaiting the end of her term. Last Saturday, she posted a cryptic message on social media platform X, suggesting frustration with her silence over the past year.
Although Sahle-Work advocated for peace during her presidency, she faced criticism for not addressing gender-based violence more directly during Ethiopia’s two-year civil war in Tigray. It is believed that she had concerns over ongoing conflicts in the Oromia and Amhara regions. In Amhara, federal forces have been engaged in deadly clashes with local militias, leading to accusations of crimes against humanity.
Taye, 68, a seasoned diplomat with experience at the United Nations and in Egypt, is considered an ally of Prime Minister Abiy. He was sworn in before members of parliament on Monday.
With the departure of Sahle-Work, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan now remains Africa’s only female head of state.