Ethiopia Replaces First Female President After Her Resignation

Taye Astike Selassie has taken the oath of office to serve as Ethiopia’s president. Taye’s ascension to the position was a surprising move, as he replaced Sahle-Work Zwede, who resigned less than three weeks before the end of her term.

Zwede was appointed as Ethiopia’s president in 2018, becoming the first woman to assume that office. Although the position is largely ceremonial, as executive powers are vested in the Prime Minister’s office, Zwede’s entrance into office was greeted with optimism that she would be a positive influence on Ethiopian politics. However, her term in office was largely defined by the war in Tigray, as well as ongoing armed conflicts in the Oromia and Amhara regions.