Ethiopia’s first female president, Sahle-Work Zewde, has resigned following speculation of a rift with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Sahle-Work Zewde’s departure ends her historic tenure, which began in 2018 as Ethiopia’s first female president. Her resignation raises concerns about deeper divisions within the Ethiopian government. Tensions between Sahle-Work and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have drawn significant attention following her exit.
Gender Equality Milestone in Ethiopian Politics
Sahle-Work Zewde’s appointment was seen as a breakthrough for women’s representation in Ethiopia, a nation where political leadership has traditionally been male-dominated. Her presidency symbolised hope for progress in gender equality. However, tensions between her and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who initially supported her appointment, have led to her unexpected resignation, prompting questions about the state of leadership and diplomacy in the country.
Diplomatic Career Comes to an End
Before becoming president, Sahle-Work had a long career in international diplomacy, serving as a senior United Nations official. Her time in office was marked by calls for peace during Ethiopia’s civil war in Tigray, though she faced criticism for not speaking out more forcefully on certain issues, including gender-based violence. Despite this, she consistently advocated for unity and peace across the country, particularly as conflicts intensified in the Oromia and Amhara regions.
A Cryptic Farewell
In the days leading up to her resignation, Sahle-Work posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter), hinting at her frustration with her limited role in addressing the nation’s ongoing crises. Her message suggested a growing dissatisfaction with her recent silence on key issues. This has led to speculation that her resignation may be linked to deeper disagreements over Ethiopia’s internal conflicts and governance.
Taye Atske Selassie Appointed as Successor
Sahle-Work handed her position to Taye Atske Selassie during a brief ceremony in Addis Ababa. Taye, Ethiopia’s foreign minister since February, previously represented the country at the United Nations. The Federal House of People’s Representatives approved him as the new president. His appointment has sparked discussions about the country’s future political direction.
Growing Tensions in Ethiopia’s Leadership
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed praised Sahle-Work’s appointment in 2018 as a step forward for women’s inclusion in politics. However, their recent fallout has brought attention to increasing divisions within the Ethiopian government. As Ethiopia continues to face internal challenges, including ongoing conflicts in various regions, Sahle-Work’s departure signals a turning point in the country’s political dynamics.
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