Ethiopia Appoints First Female President

Ethiopia's parliament has elected Ms Sahle-Work Zewde (68), as the country's new president, reported media sources worldwide on October 25, 2018.

Ms Zewde becomes the first female head of state of Ethiopia since the reign of Empress Zewditu in the early 20th century. Empress Zewditu, alias Askala Maryam by baptism, ruled Ethiopia from September 1916 to April 1930. She was the first female head of state in Africa in modern time.

Hitherto the appointment, Sahle-Work Zewde was a special representative for the UN Secretary General to the African Union.

The presidential position in Ethiopia is ceremonial, with real political power alias executive power in the country vested in a council of ministers under the leadership of a prime minister. Notwithstanding, however, the new president is reported to have promised to thrive towards promoting gender equality and peace in the country.

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