Ethiopia’s Political Shift: The Strategic Replacement of Sahle-Work Zewde

Ethiopia’s parliament has recognised Taye Astike Selassie as the nation’s next president, succeeding Sahle-Work Zewde, in a momentous decision.

Given the prior rapport between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Sahle-Work, this appointment clearly indicates a change in Ethiopia’s political landscape. The appointment of Sahle-Work in 2018 was a historic turning point for gender equality in Ethiopia; yet, over time, it appears that her relationship with Abiy has deteriorated, which has resulted in this important shift.

Despite being symbolic because the prime minister had executive authority, Sahle-Works’ time had a significant impact on how people saw women in leadership roles.

However, criticism was levelled at her silence on important subjects like gender-based violence during Ethiopia’s civil war, overshadowing her appeals for peace. Her peaceful departure from the political scene is made even more intriguing by her recent cryptic social media remark that seemed to be hinting to her dissatisfaction. Relatives close to her said she had been waiting for her term to end for a long time.

Experienced diplomat Taye Astike Selassie assumes this position in the midst of intricate regional tensions, especially those in Amhara and Oromia.

Federal authorities have been accused of violating human rights in certain areas, where there has been considerable violence. Taye’s diplomatic abilities—which she developed at the UN and in Egypt—will be put to the test as the nation struggles with internal conflict. However, his strong relationship with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed casts doubt on the presidency’s independence during his term.

With Sahle-Work’s exit, there is just one female head of state in Africa: President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.

Given the continued difficulty in getting women into high political posts throughout the continent, this is a significant development. This development, particularly in Ethiopia, may rekindle discussions about gender equality, especially in high-profile professions.

It’s significant that Abiy Ahmed, who had supported Sahle-Work, has since distanced himself from the principles she formerly stood for.

The rift between them reveals how Ethiopia’s leadership power dynamics are changing. The bigger question now that Taye is in office is how his administration will handle the current political unrest and disputes in Ethiopia.

One of the most urgent problems facing Ethiopia continues to be the tensions in the Amhara and Oromia regions. The uprising is far from over, with hundreds of deaths and accusations of violations of human rights against federal forces.

Sahle-Work’s exit may also portend a more serious conflict among Ethiopia’s ruling class, where dissident opinions are suppressed and substituted with more obedient voices, regardless of their symbolic significance.

Although Taye’s president would give Ethiopia’s political environment some continuity, worries about the country’s internal strife are unlikely to be allayed.

His close relationship with Abiy and background in diplomacy put him in a unique position to be a stabilising influence. However, there’s no doubt that his capacity to maintain objectivity in Ethiopia’s convoluted political landscape will be closely examined.

International attention has been focused on the power battle between federal forces and regional militias, especially in Amhara, where allegations of crimes against humanity have made headlines.

Taye Astike Selassie’s role may prove more important than the ceremonial title implies as Ethiopia’s political environment changes. Ethiopia, a nation that is frequently praised for its historical significance on the continent of Africa, has significant problems in store.

The declining number of female heads of state in a larger African context is not only symbolic; it also represents continuous fights for gender equality in positions of leadership.

The resignation of Sahle-Works highlights how brittle these developments may be, especially in nations that have historically positioned themselves as leaders of change. Though her tenure may have begun with optimism, it ended, like her last public statements, on a sombre tone.

A nation at a crossroads is indicated by the conflicts, the issues surrounding human rights, and the shifting political alignments within the nation. It remains to be seen if Taye Astike Selassie can successfully negotiate these complications without turning becoming an extension of Abiy Ahmed’s will.

In the end, Sahle-Work’s removal signifies a larger turn in Ethiopia’s political course rather than merely a change in leadership.

The Zim Bulletin