Ethiopia appointed a new president, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie, amid ongoing tensions with Somalia over a controversial agreement with Somaliland. Taye takes office following outgoing President Sahle-Work Zewde and faces challenges related to accusations of infringing on Somalia’s sovereignty, along with Somalia blocking the participation of Ethiopian forces in the upcoming African Union mission.
On Monday, Ethiopia officially welcomed a new president, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie, following the conclusion of President Sahle-Work Zewde’s term. Taye, who previously held the position of Minister for Foreign Affairs, was elected during a joint session of the People’s Representatives and the House of Federation for a term of four years. During the ceremonial proceedings, he received the constitution from his predecessor, symbolizing the formal transition of power. Despite the peaceful transfer of authority, Taye’s administration steps into a climate of tension between Ethiopia and its neighbor, Somalia. Recently, Ethiopia has faced allegations of violating Somalia’s sovereignty by entering into a secret Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, which involves an agreement for 20 kilometers of access to the Red Sea and recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. This agreement has provoked significant backlash from Somalia, which has demanded the revocation of the MoU. Further complicating the diplomatic landscape, Somalia has declared that the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) will not participate in the forthcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, which is set to commence in January 2025 and will succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the newly inaugurated President Taye now face the daunting task of navigating these diplomatic challenges alongside their domestic priorities for the nation.
The situation between Ethiopia and Somalia has been characterized by historical tensions, largely influenced by territorial disputes and differing political alliances in the Horn of Africa. The recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland has escalated these hostilities, leading to heightened scrutiny of Ethiopia’s foreign policy strategies. As Ethiopia appoints a new president, the focus will be on how the government addresses these international accusations and how it will proceed with negotiations to restore robust bilateral relations with Somalia.
In conclusion, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie’s inauguration as President of Ethiopia marks a significant political transition amid ongoing diplomatic strains with Somalia. His administration’s priorities will have to address both internal governance and external diplomatic relations, particularly in light of the contentious MoU with Somaliland and the broader implications for regional stability. The forthcoming months are likely to be crucial in determining the trajectory of Ethiopia-Somalia relations under Taye’s leadership.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
