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ETHIOPIA’S PRESIDENT SAHLE-WORK ZEWDE RESIGNS AMID FALLOUT WITH PM

ETHIOPIA’S PRESIDENT SAHLE-WORK ZEWDE RESIGNS AMID FALLOUT WITH PM
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Faith  Nyasuguta 

Ethiopia’s first female president, Sahle-Work Zewde, has resigned from her position following a significant fallout with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This unexpected resignation marks a pivotal moment in Ethiopian politics, raising questions about the country’s political stability and the future of its leadership.

Sahle-Work Zewde, who took office in 2018, was widely celebrated as a symbol of progress and gender equality in Ethiopia. Her appointment was seen as a breakthrough for women’s representation in a country where political power has traditionally been dominated by men. However, her tenure has been marred by increasing tensions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who holds the majority of political power in Ethiopia.

The rift between Sahle-Work and Abiy reportedly began to widen over the past year. Sources close to the former president revealed that she had grown increasingly disillusioned with the prime minister’s policies and leadership style. Despite her efforts to promote peace and stability, Sahle-Work found herself at odds with Abiy on several key issues, including the handling of conflicts in the Oromia and Amhara regions.

Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed /Wikipedia/

The conflicts in these regions have been particularly troubling, with federal forces clashing with local militias, leading to significant loss of life and accusations of human rights abuses. Sahle-Work’s calls for peace and dialogue were often overshadowed by the government’s military actions, further straining her relationship with the prime minister.

In a cryptic message posted on social media platform X, Sahle-Work hinted at her dissatisfaction, stating that she had been “silent for too long.” This message, coupled with reports from insiders, suggests that her resignation was not entirely voluntary but rather a result of mounting pressure and frustration.

The Ethiopian parliament has swiftly moved to appoint a new president, Taye Atske Selassie, who previously served as the country’s foreign minister. Taye, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience at the United Nations and in Egypt, is considered to be closely aligned with Prime Minister Abiy. His appointment is seen by many as a strategic move to consolidate Abiy’s power and ensure a more compliant head of state.

Taye’s ascension to the presidency has sparked mixed reactions among Ethiopians. While some view him as a capable leader who can navigate the tough political climate , others are concerned that his close ties to Abiy may undermine the independence of the presidency. Critics argue that Ethiopia needs a president who can act as a check on the prime minister’s authority, rather than a figurehead who merely rubber-stamps government decisions.

Sahle-Work Zewde /X/

The resignation of Sahle-Work Zewde also has broader implications for gender equality in Africa. With her departure, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan remains the only female head of state on the continent. This development has reignited discussions about the challenges women face in achieving and maintaining political power in Africa.

Ethiopia has been grappling with numerous challenges, including ethnic tensions, economic instability, and the aftermath of a devastating civil war in the Tigray region. The leadership change comes at a critical juncture, and the actions of the new president and prime minister will be crucial in determining Ethiopia’s path forward.

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Faith Nyasuguta

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