In a significant ceremonial shift, Taye Atske Selassie ascends as Ethiopia’s President, committing to foster tranquility within the borders and beyond. This seasoned diplomat takes over from Sahle-Work Zewde, the nation’s pioneering female president, amidst whispers of discord with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
After securing the nod from the parliament, the ex-Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie assumes the largely symbolic presidential reins. However, it’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who clutches the reins of power in Ethiopia, wielding considerable influence.
At 68, President Taye brings a wealth of diplomatic acumen, having represented Ethiopia at the United Nations and served in Egypt. He is perceived as a close ally of Abiy, already having filled the role of foreign minister once before in February.
According to Ethiopia’s political setup, the Federal Parliamentary Assembly elects presidents for six-year stints, renewable once, marking the president as the nation’s formal head of state.
Diplomatic finesse is essential to address the chaos
Experts argue that with Taye’s vast experience in diplomacy and the cabinet, he could become pivotal in spearheading peace initiatives within the tumultuous Horn of Africa.
During his inaugural speech as president, Taye outlined the core themes of his tenure: cultivating lasting domestic peace and upholding the rule of law.
“Upholding the legal framework strengthens our duty to safeguard citizen peace and security. Despite challenges, the government remains open to peaceful resolutions,” he asserted.
Gearing up for dialogue
Taye extended an olive branch in his oration, declaring the government’s openness to dialogues amidst Ethiopia’s internal unrest and conflicts.
“We are always amenable to peaceful discussions, whether individually or collectively,” he maintained. Yet, Taye was firm on pursuing legal actions against those disrupting societal harmony and inciting discord through inflammatory rhetoric.
Beyond borders, Taye spoke of amplifying Ethiopia’s role in international peace efforts, particularly concerning conflicts in Sudan. He emphasized fortified collaborations with neighboring states across all domains.
Vast Diplomatic Tapestry
Born in Debark, nestled in the North Gondar Zone of the Amhara region, Taye secured his undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Relations at Addis Ababa University, furthering his education at Addis Ababa and Lancaster University in the UK.
Eager in his early professional days, Taye was entrenched as a consultant within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ European department and ascended to helm the Western Europe division. He assumed roles in Stockholm and Washington embassies, navigating various diplomatic terrains over four decades.
A Fresh Chapter from a Trailblazing Female Leader
In heralding change, President Taye proposed boosting economic growth by 8.4%, with intentions of alleviating poverty and promoting equity in Ethiopia.
He steps into the shoes of 74-year-old Sahle-Work Zewde, whose ground-breaking presidency concludes amidst speculation tied to her rapport with Abiy Ahmed.
Since ascending in 2018 when Abiy hit the ground running, Sahle-Work wielded notable diplomatic prowess, contributing in several roles across Europe and Africa, and guiding Ethiopia in international spaces like UNESCO and the African Union. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon heralded her as the UN Office in Nairobi’s Head in 2011.
Advocate for women’s empowerment
During her tenure, Sahle-Work championed initiatives to elevate women and girls, aligning with global forums committed to gender equality.
Her historic presidency emboldened Ethiopian women, setting influential precedents in leadership and public service, while simultaneously enhancing Abiy’s rapport with the Western world through reforms and a significant peace accord with Eritrea, which won him a Nobel Peace Prize.
Yet, Abiy’s accolades dimmed amidst the fierce conflict with Tigray region rebels (2020-2022) and ongoing ethnic tensions, tarnishing his global reputation and incurring U.S. sanctions.
Contributions by: Solomon Muchie Abebe
Edited by: Cai Nebe
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
