Ethiopia has elected Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie as the new president, succeeding Sahle-Work Zewde amid ongoing tensions with Somalia over territorial issues related to a controversial agreement with Somaliland. This appointment takes place within a politically sensitive context, with Somalia rejecting Ethiopian military involvement in forthcoming missions. Taye aims to navigate these challenges while presenting the federal government’s fiscal plans.
On Monday, Ethiopia hailed a new presidential appointment as Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie was elected to succeed President Sahle-Work Zewde, whose tenure has successfully concluded. With this transition, Taye, previously serving as the Foreign Affairs Minister, embarks on a four-year presidential term amidst elevated tensions with Somaliland, a separatist region supported by Ethiopia. During the ceremonial inauguration held in the presence of significant political figures, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the outgoing president, Taye was sworn in and subsequently presented the federal government’s plans for the fiscal year. The political landscape is notably strained, as Ethiopia faces accusations from Somalia concerning territorial violations, primarily following the contentious Memorandum of Understanding that grants Ethiopia territory access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty, a move that has provoked Somalia’s ire. Additionally, Somalia has prohibited Ethiopian military involvement in the newly established African Union Support and Stabilization Mission set to commence in January 2025. These actions underscore the complex diplomatic relationship between the two nations as Taye enters his presidency.
The appointment of a new president in Ethiopia marks a significant political transition against the backdrop of a historically complex relationship with Somalia. The new president, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie, assumed office amid accusations that Ethiopia has infringed upon Somali sovereignty through a controversial agreement with Somaliland, a region that seeks independence from Somalia. The Memorandum of Understanding signed along with plans for recognition of Somaliland has further exacerbated tensions, leading Somalia to outright reject the presence of Ethiopian troops in upcoming African Union missions. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and regional stability within the Horn of Africa, with both diplomatic engagements and military involvements at stake.
The ascension of Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie to the presidency of Ethiopia comes at a pivotal moment characterized by regional friction—particularly with Somalia—over issues related to sovereignty and territorial rights. As Taye integrates his leadership into the federal structure, the actions taken by his administration regarding Somaliland will likely influence diplomatic relations in East Africa. Future dialogue and negotiations will be essential to ameliorate these strains and foster cooperative relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
