Ethiopia’s legislative body has appointed Taye Astike Selassie as the new president, replacing Sahle-Work Zewde, the nation’s first female head of state. Taye, who has held the position of foreign minister since February, will now assume this largely symbolic role, with executive power remaining in the hands of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Sahle-Work, who was appointed in 2018 with strong support from Abiy, was seen as a trailblazer for gender equality in Ethiopian politics. However, sources indicate that relations between the two have soured in recent years.
On Saturday, Sahle-Work shared a cryptic message on the social media platform X, hinting at her dissatisfaction with having stayed silent during her last year in office.
Those close to the 74-year-old former president have disclosed to BBC Amharic that she had been looking forward to the end of her term, which was set to conclude later this month.
Throughout her time as president, Sahle-Work made multiple appeals for peace in Ethiopia, though critics argued that she should have spoken more openly about the gender-based violence during the two-year civil war in Tigray. Additionally, it is believed that she harbored concerns over the ongoing conflicts in the Oromia and Amhara regions.
In Amhara, federal troops have been engaged in violent clashes with local militias, resulting in significant casualties. Security forces have also been accused of human rights violations.
The newly appointed President Taye Astike Selassie, 68, brings years of diplomatic experience, having previously served at the United Nations and in Egypt. His close relationship with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed suggests a continuation of the current administration’s policies.
Sahle-Work’s departure leaves Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the only female head of state in Africa.