The United Nations (UN), the European Union, the African Union (AU), and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have congratulated Sahlework Zewde on her election as the new President of Ethiopia.
Ambassador Sahlework was elected as President of Ethiopia yesterday, replacing Mulatu Teshome, who resigned on the same day.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed her appointment and congratulated her on Twitter.
Congratulations to Sahle-Work Zewde & to Ethiopians, on your first woman president & new cabinet in which women ministers head key departments. The African continent is leading the way in showcasing that women's engagement and leadership are crucial to lasting peace. #SCR1325
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 25, 2018
Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat for his part said “This election is a landmark in many respects. It is the first time in Ethiopia’s long and proud history that a woman is assuming this elected high office.”
Coming after the formation of a gender parity Cabinet, it marks a new milestone in Ethiopia’s trajectory towards women’s empowerment and effective participation in political decision-making. The confidence bestowed upon Madam Zewde is a source of pride not only for Ethiopia, but also for the continent as a whole.”
The Chairperson wished her every success in her tenure.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of IGAD), Amb. Eng. Mahboub Maalim sent a congratulatory message to Sahlework Zewde on her election as President of Ethiopia.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome the approval by the Parliament of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia of Her Excellency Sahlework Zewde as President of the country, and congratulate Her Excellency in her new role as the President of Ethiopia”, the message read.
The European Union (EU) also congratulated Ethiopia for the appointment of Sahle-Work Zewde as the first female president.
“The appointment of Ms Sahle-Work Zewde as President of Ethiopia is yet another sign of Ethiopia’s path towards reform and internal cohesion. Ms Sahle-Work Zewde brings with her strong experience and an internationally renowned stature as a highly accomplished diplomat, along with her commitment to peace and democracy” a statement by the Spokesperson read.
“Ms Sahle-Work Zewde’s appointment and Prime Minister Abiy’s recent nomination of a cabinet with gender parity with two strong women leaders to key positions, Aisha Mohammed as Minister of Defense and Muferiat Kamil in the new position of Minister of Peace, sends a strong signal about the Ethiopian government’s commitment to advance women’s empowerment,” it added.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Ethiopia in its reform endeavours.
Several international agencies and embassies also took to Twitter to congratulate the new President.
Dr Tedros Adhanom, Director General of WHO said:
Congratulations to my sister @SahleWorkZewde on your election as the first female President of #Ethiopia 🇪🇹. Wishing great success to you and all the people of our country. Your enthusiasm for gender equality is fundamental for #HealthForAll. pic.twitter.com/6RzrrY0Z2O
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) October 25, 2018
The embassy of Norway in Ethiopia Twitted:
We want to congratulate the newly appointed President of Ethiopia @SahleWorkZewde. As @fitsumaregaa wrote, she is an experienced diplomat and leader who brings the right competencies and experience to the office. These are truly amazing times in Ethiopia 🇪🇹🇪🇹 #MadamePresident https://t.co/blLVrBew62
— Stian Christensen (@NorwayinAddis) October 25, 2018
The US embassy also welcomed the appointment of President Sahlework:
1/2 Congratulations to Ambassador Sahelwork Zewde on her selection as Ethiopia’s first woman President. We welcome her appointment not because of her gender but in recognition of her many years of experience and leadership in public service. pic.twitter.com/npG4tEdl1F
— U.S. Embassy Addis (@USEmbassyAddis) October 26, 2018
SOURCE:FANABC
