New Ethiopian leader promises change
Hopes to quell protests that have killed hundreds
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia —
Young and outspoken Abiy Ahmed was sworn in Monday as Ethiopia’s prime minister amid hopes he will be able to quell the anti-government protests that have rocked Africa’s second most populous nation.
Abiy was elected by Ethiopia’s parliament, succeeding Hailemariam Desalegn who resigned in mid-february as a result of widespread protests that have taken the lives of several hundred people.
“This is a historic moment,” said Abiy in his inaugural address to Ethiopian lawmakers. “This is high time for us to learn from our past mistakes and make up for all the wrongs done in the past.”
He said his administration will strive to solve grievances by discussion rather than by force, provide more space for opposition parties, fight corruption and focus on respect for rule of law.
The new leader said he aims to open up a fresh dialogue with archfoe Eritrea and called upon Ethiopia’s diaspora to more actively take part in the country’s affairs.
Abiy is the first Oromo politician to become Ethiopia’s prime minister since the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front came to power in 1991.
Prominent opposition leader Merara Gudina expressed cautious optimism over Abiy’s election, saying the future of Ethiopia’s peace and stability depends on the policies of the incoming leader and his party.
“What he aims to achieve depends on what his party allows him to do,” Merara said, adding that Abiy was elected by Ethiopia’s ruling party and not directly by the population through a general election. “But still it goes without saying that a change in personalities within the leadership may bring changes in terms of bringing better ideas that may ultimately lead to national reconciliation.”
Ethiopia’s Olympic gold medalist runner, Haile Gebrselassie, said the peaceful transfer of power is a winwin situation for all Ethiopians.
“The new leader’s election has answered many Ethiopians’ questions,” Haile told The Associated Press, saying that Abiy should implement his pledges without delay.
The U.S. Embassy in the capital, Addis Ababa, commended the peaceful transfer of power.