Ethiopia witnessed a significant transition in its political leadership. Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia’s first female head of state, was replaced by Taye Astike Selassie, the country’s foreign minister, in a move that signals deeper underlying tensions within the Ethiopian political landscape. Though Ethiopia’s presidency is largely ceremonial, Sahle-Work’s ascension in 2018 was hailed as a breakthrough for gender equality in Ethiopian politics. However, her departure, amid reports of strained relations with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, reflects the complexities of governance in a nation still grappling with internal conflicts and political discord.
This article explores the significance of Sahle-Work Zewde’s presidency, the dynamics that led to her departure, and what the appointment of Taye Astike Selassie means for Ethiopia’s future.
Sahle-Work Zewde: A Symbol of Gender Equality and a Silent Figure in Turbulent Times
Sahle-Work Zewde was appointed president of Ethiopia in October 2018, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the country’s history. Her appointment was seen as a progressive step forward, not only for Ethiopia but also for Africa as a whole. With her background in diplomacy and previous positions in the United Nations, she was widely regarded as a competent and experienced leader. Sahle-Work’s rise to power was supported by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who was at the time working to reform Ethiopia’s political and social landscape.
The appointment was part of a broader campaign by Abiy Ahmed’s government to promote gender equality. The prime minister appointed women to several key government positions, making Ethiopia one of the few countries with gender parity in its cabinet. Sahle-Work’s presidency was thus a critical piece of this movement, representing the possibility of increased political representation for women in a traditionally male-dominated political space.
However, Sahle-Work’s presidency, while symbolically important, was largely constrained by the limitations of her office. In Ethiopia’s political system, executive power lies with the prime minister. As a result, the presidency has often been regarded as a ceremonial role, limited to representing the nation in formal functions and offering moral guidance. This restriction meant that Sahle-Work had little room to directly influence government policy or the outcomes of the nation’s significant conflicts.
A Quiet Departure Amid Political Strain
Sahle-Work’s tenure was not without challenges. Reports indicate that her relationship with Abiy Ahmed deteriorated over the years, leading to tensions behind the scenes. In a cryptic message posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sahle-Work hinted at her frustration, stating that she had remained silent for the past year, a statement that seemed to reflect a deep sense of dissatisfaction with her role and the political direction of the country.
While Sahle-Work did not elaborate further, sources close to her suggested that she had grown increasingly unhappy with her position and was eagerly awaiting the end of her term. Her departure, although somewhat anticipated, occurred in a context of broader political conflict in Ethiopia. The civil war in Tigray, which lasted from November 2020 to November 2022, and ongoing violence in the Oromia and Amhara regions have plunged Ethiopia into a state of instability, with federal forces accused of human rights violations, and hundreds of thousands displaced by conflict.
Sahle-Work had called for peace during her presidency, particularly during the Tigray conflict. However, she faced criticism for not being more vocal about the gender-based violence that occurred during the war. Many saw this as a missed opportunity for Ethiopia’s first female head of state to use her platform to address a critical issue. Yet, given the largely ceremonial nature of her role and the centralization of power within Abiy’s administration, it is plausible that her silence reflected the limitations placed on her ability to speak freely on such matters.
The Rise of Taye Astike Selassie: A Trusted Ally of Abiy Ahmed
In the wake of Sahle-Work’s departure, Ethiopia’s parliament swiftly approved the appointment of Taye Astike Selassie as the country’s new president. Taye, who had been serving as the country’s foreign minister since February 2024, is a seasoned diplomat with decades of experience. He has held several high-profile roles, including representing Ethiopia at the United Nations and serving as the country’s ambassador to Egypt. Taye is widely considered to be close to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which positions him as a more politically aligned figure to Abiy’s administration.
The selection of Taye for the presidency likely reflects the prime minister’s desire to consolidate political support and ensure that key figures in the government are aligned with his vision. Taye’s experience in diplomacy will be valuable as Ethiopia continues to navigate complex international relations, particularly in the Horn of Africa region. Moreover, as Ethiopia continues to face internal unrest, Taye’s close ties to the prime minister may allow for a more coordinated approach to dealing with the country’s internal challenges.
The Broader Political Context: Ongoing Conflicts in Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s political transition comes at a time when the country is still grappling with multiple internal conflicts. While the Tigray war officially ended in 2022, peace remains fragile, and the country is still reeling from the devastation caused by two years of civil war. The conflict resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, widespread displacement, and allegations of war crimes by both federal forces and Tigrayan fighters.
In addition to the lingering effects of the Tigray war, Ethiopia is dealing with ongoing violence in the Oromia and Amhara regions. Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest and most populous region, has been the site of long-standing insurgencies by groups such as the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). The federal government’s efforts to quell these insurgencies have led to further violence and accusations of human rights abuses.
In Amhara, the situation is equally tense. Federal forces have been engaged in fighting with local militias, leading to hundreds of deaths. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have accused security forces of committing crimes against humanity in the region. This complex security environment has raised concerns about the long-term stability of Ethiopia and the effectiveness of Abiy Ahmed’s government in addressing these challenges.
A New Era Without Female Leadership?
Sahle-Work Zewde’s departure marks the end of an important chapter in Ethiopia’s political history, particularly regarding the progress made in promoting women’s representation in leadership. Her replacement by Taye Astike Selassie leaves Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the only female head of state in Africa. This shift raises questions about the future of gender equality in Ethiopian politics and whether the country will continue to prioritize women’s representation in the highest offices of government.
While Sahle-Work’s presidency was largely ceremonial, it was nonetheless a powerful symbol of progress in a country and continent where women have historically been underrepresented in leadership. Her replacement with a male figure, especially one closely aligned with the prime minister, signals a return to the traditional political order.
Conclusion: The Future of Ethiopia’s Presidency
The replacement of Sahle-Work Zewde with Taye Astike Selassie is a reflection of the shifting political dynamics in Ethiopia. Sahle-Work’s departure, following a reportedly strained relationship with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, highlights the limits of ceremonial leadership in a country where executive power is concentrated in the hands of the prime minister.
As Ethiopia continues to face internal conflicts and political challenges, the new president, Taye Astike Selassie, will likely play a key role in representing the country on the international stage and working closely with Abiy Ahmed’s administration. However, the absence of a female head of state in Ethiopia raises broader questions about the future of gender equality in the country’s political sphere.
As Ethiopia navigates these complex times, the leadership of both Abiy Ahmed and Taye Astike Selassie will be critical in determining the direction of the nation and its efforts to achieve peace and stability.
