Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie Elected Ethiopia President

Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie has been elected and sworn in as the new President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

His election took place earlier today during the joint opening session of the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) and the House of Federation (HoF) for the 2024/25 fiscal year.

Amb. Taye Atske-Selassie, who has been serving as Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, replaces Sahle-Work Zewde, the country’s first female president who held the position since 22018.

H.E Atske-Selassie with UNSG

He brings decades of diplomatic experience to his new role, having played a significant part in shaping Ethiopia’s foreign relations, especially during times of regional and international challenges.

Ambassador Taye has previously served as Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the UN.

His election by the joint parliamentary houses marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ethiopia’s leadership.

Born in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie has had a long career in diplomacy, previously representing Ethiopia at the United Nations and serving in various other key positions, including ambassadorial roles in the Middle East and Europe.

Ethiopia’s presidency is largely ceremonial, with executive powers residing in the Prime Minister’s office. However, the president plays a crucial role in representing national unity and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali was in attendance.

President Taye Atske-Selassie is expected to use his years of experience in diplomacy to to ensure implementation of an MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland.