Taye Atske Selassie Becomes Ethiopia’s President Amid Sahle-Work’s Cryptic Departure

Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie Appointed as President of Ethiopia, Replacing Sahle-Work Zewde Amid Speculation

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – October 7, 2024 — Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie has officially been appointed as the new President of the Republic of Ethiopia, succeeding Sahle-Work Zewde. This transition follows widespread speculation about President Sahle-Work’s potential resignation, fueled by a cryptic social media post she shared last week.

On Saturday, Sahle-Work posted a tweet that many viewed as an indication of her possible resignation. Quoting Mahmoud Ahmed’s song “Silence is My Answer,” she tweeted: “When a person feels sad and broken, when he has got no place to go, hope is his only hope.” This emotionally charged statement, coupled with reports from The Habesha suggesting that she might resign as early as next week, has ignited public debate and rumors about her future.

The Cryptic Tweet and Speculation

Sahle-Work’s tweet came during a period of increased public criticism, particularly concerning her perceived silence in addressing the ongoing conflicts in various parts of Ethiopia. Critics have pointed to what they see as her passive approach to leadership during a time of national crisis, with multiple regions affected by violence and humanitarian challenges. Calls for stronger, more vocal leadership had been growing, putting additional pressure on the President.

The Habesha report further fueled speculation about her potential resignation, suggesting that Sahle-Work might step down soon. While her office later issued a statement dismissing the rumors, stating that “the article is posted on a personal account and does not concern our office,” the timing and tone of her tweet continued to leave some observers skeptical.

Despite these rumors, Sahle-Work’s role as Ethiopia’s first female president, celebrated as a symbol of progress when she took office in 2018, has been a significant part of the country’s political landscape. However, as Ethiopia’s political and social climate has become increasingly volatile, public expectations for more assertive leadership have mounted.

Transition of Power to Ambassador Taye

The appointment of Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie comes at a critical moment for Ethiopia. Having previously served as the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Taye has been involved in high-level diplomatic negotiations and multilateral diplomacy throughout his career. Born in Debarak, Gondar, Ambassador Taye’s background in international relations is complemented by a long list of postings, including key roles in Washington DC, Stockholm, and Cairo, as well as representing Ethiopia at the United Nations.

As President, Ambassador Taye will face significant challenges, including addressing Ethiopia’s international relations, managing internal conflicts, and steering the nation through its political and economic hurdles. His diplomatic experience is expected to play a central role in shaping Ethiopia’s foreign policy and internal governance.

Ongoing Public Debate

Despite the appointment of Ambassador Taye, public debate surrounding Sahle-Work’s departure continues, with many still reflecting on her tenure as President. Her perceived reluctance to engage more directly with Ethiopia’s internal crises had been a point of contention, and her recent tweet has only heightened speculation about the emotional toll of leadership in the country’s current context.

As Ambassador Taye takes office, Ethiopia now enters a new phase of leadership. How the new President will address both the challenges at home and Ethiopia’s position on the global stage remains to be seen, but it is clear that expectations for change and active governance will be high as the nation navigates this transition.