Ethiopia parliament has approved Taye Astike Selassie as the new president, replacing Sahle-Work Zewde, the country’s first female head of state. Taye, who has served as foreign minister since February, steps into the largely ceremonial role, while political power remains with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Sahle-Work, appointed in 2018 with Abiy’s backing as a symbol of gender equality progress, had reportedly fallen out of favour with the prime minister in recent years. Sources close to the former president revealed that the 74-year-old had been discontented for some time and was looking forward to the end of her term this month.
On Saturday, Sahle-Work posted a cryptic message on social media, hinting at her dissatisfaction after staying silent over the past year. During her presidency, she called for peace across Ethiopia but was reportedly unhappy with ongoing conflicts in the Oromia and Amhara regions. The Amhara region has been particularly volatile, with federal forces clashing with local militias, resulting in hundreds of deaths and allegations of crimes against humanity by security forces.
President Taye, aged 68, is considered an experienced diplomat and close ally of Abiy Ahmed, having served at the United Nations and in Egypt. He was officially sworn in before parliament on Monday.
Sahle-Work’s departure means that Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania is currently Africa’s only female head of state.
