Who is Taye Atske-Selassie, the new president of Ethiopia?

Addis Ababa, October 7, 2024 (FBC) – President Taye Atske-Selassie was born in Debark, North Gondar zone of Amhara region. He obtained his first degree from Addis Ababa University in Political Science and International Relations.

He received post-graduation from Addis Ababa University and Lancaster University in England in Political Science International Relations, and Strategic Studies.

The new Ethiopian also attended short-term international relations and political science trainings and courses in different countries.

In his early career, President Taye has served as a consultant at the European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the head of the Western Europe Department, the Acting Director of Information, as a consultant at the Federal Embassy in Stockholm and as a consultant at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington.

He was appointed as Ethiopia’s Consul General in Los Angeles with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Afterwards, he served as Director General of European and American Affairs, and Minister of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He has served as Ethiopia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Egypt and Ethiopia’s Permanent Envoy to the United Nations in New York.

Upon his return from his diplomatic missions abroad, he became the Prime Minister’s Foreign Policy Advisor with the Rank of Minister on January 20, 2023.

Prior to his appointment as the new President of the country this afternoon, Taye served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia since February 8, 2024, succeeding Demeke Mekonnen upon the latter’s resignation on 26 January.

On October 7, 2024, Taye Atske-Selassie Amde was sworn in as the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. He was sworn in during the joint session of the House of People’s Representatives and House of Federation.

During the swearing in ceremony, the outgoing President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, who has been at the helm from 2018 to today, handed over the Constitution to the incoming Head of State.

By: Tsega Tariku