By Edna -UCLIQ
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia = Ambassador Taye Atske, a career diplomat with many years of service in this capacity, has taken the oath of office as the new President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The occasion was held on Monday during the joint session of the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) and the House of Federation (HoF). Taye replaces Sahle-Work Zewde, who occupied the seat since 2018.
An emotional Sahle then handed Taye the Ethiopian constitution. “I trust you’ll uphold our values and serve the nation with integrity,” Sahle said.
Taye thanked in his acceptance speech. “I am privileged to serve my country in this capacity,” he said. “Together, we will face the challenges and build a better future.
Before becoming president, Taye was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia since February 8, 2024. His long experience in diplomatic service also placed him in roles such as being the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations.
In the swearing-in speech, Taye rallied for unity. “We must stand together as one nation,” he said. “Our strength lies in our diversity.”
The President of Ethiopia is directly elected by the Federal Parliamentary Assembly to serve a six-year term. The position is largely symbolic, but Taye knew the weight it carried. “As Head of State, I will represent the hopes of our people,” he said.
Taye took up his presidency at one of the most critical periods in Ethiopian history. At the moment, the country is battling numerous challenges, from political to economic.
“We must confront all these challenges head-on,” Taye said, “I call upon all Ethiopians to contribute to our nation’s progress.”
The event ended with an applause across the members of the assembly. It is expected that Taye will embark on regional and international leaders in a bid to cement Ethiopia’s position in the global arena.
As Taye begins his tour of duty, his leadership in these forthcoming years is what the nation awaits.
