Ethiopia’s parliament has appointed a new president, replacing Sahle-Work Zewde, the nation’s first female head of state. Taye Atske Selassie, the former foreign minister, has taken over the largely symbolic role. Real political power in Ethiopia remains with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Sahle-Work, appointed in 2018 with strong support from Abiy, was seen as a milestone for gender equality. However, reports suggest the relationship between the two had soured in recent years, with the former president expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of conflicts in the Oromia and Amhara regions.
In a recent social media post, Sahle-Work hinted at her frustrations, indicating she had been forced into silence for much of her tenure. Sources close to the 74-year-old revealed she had long anticipated the end of her term.
Taye Atske Selassie, 68, a seasoned diplomat and close ally of Abiy, was sworn in on Monday. His appointment leaves Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan as Africa’s only current female head of state.
