Addis Ababa, October 6, 2026 (ENA)— The newly established government will work to strengthen its efforts of promoting Ethiopia’s multinational unity, peace and dialogue, while advancing development and prosperity of the nation, President Taye Atske Selassie said. Speaking at the joint session of the House of People's Representatives and the House of Federation today, the President said the government’s central focus would be ensuring that Ethiopia remains united while fostering a shared national vision, common aspirations and a spirit of service that takes the interests of future generations into account. He noted that achieving Ethiopia’s national and strategic objectives would require greater depth of thought, broad knowledge, high moral standards, a strong sense of ownership and the determination to translate ideas into action. The President also emphasized discipline, hard work, knowledge and productive work culture as key pillars of the government’s efforts to improve the living standards of citizens. The government will give particular attention to transforming the country’s political culture by promoting peace, dialogue, knowledge and mutual understanding, he said, adding that it will work to end the cycle of armed conflict and move away from violent and confrontational political practices that have historically affected Ethiopia. Recommendations of the National Dialogue Conference will also be translated into practical actions. Ethiopia’s path has always been to strengthen comprehensive growth, the President noted, stressing the importance of technological self-reliance, strategic defense capabilities and internal capacity. In this respect, he praised members of Ethiopian Defense Force and the federal security forces for their service to the country, describing them as protectors of citizens and national sovereignty. President Taye further said the Ethiopian people have demonstrated a strong desire for peace and stability and have rejected war and violence. The country’s development and prosperity depend on ending political practices that fuel conflict, and creating an environment in which peace and development can flourish, he stressed. President Taye noted that attempts to return Ethiopia to cycles of violence would ultimately fail. Calling on citizens to demonstrate their commitment to Ethiopia through productive work, national responsibility and the protection of the country’s sovereignty and peace, he underscored that the Ethiopian people have demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming internal and external challenges. He further urged Ethiopians to approach the country’s national dialogue and long-term strategic ambitions with optimism, saying Ethiopianism should be reflected in citizens’ dialogue, work and everyday interactions. Protecting Ethiopia, maintaining peace and advancing national prosperity should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the government, but as a shared responsibility of all citizens, the President emphasized. Expressing confidence in the government to fulfill the trust placed in it through integrity, loyalty, capacity and commitment, President Taye wished the Ethiopian people a successful and prosperous 2019 Ethiopian Year.

Addis Ababa, October 6, 2026 (ENA)—President Taye Atske Selassie has outlined Ethiopia’s major national priorities for the 2019 Ethiopian year, placing peace, structural transformation, quality public services, institutional coordination and stronger foreign relations among the key areas of focus. Addressing the 7th joint session of the House of People’s Representatives and the House of Federation, the President said the priorities were identified based on an assessment of the country’s previous performance, achievements and gaps, with the aim of better safeguarding Ethiopia’s national interests and accelerating the country’s progress. Peace will remain a foremost priority, with efforts focused on strengthening unity and cooperation and putting Ethiopia’s national interests first. The President said Ethiopia will also pursue a comprehensive structural transformation based on quality, while accelerating citizen-centered development in education, health and social protection by shifting the focus from expanding access to improving quality.   According to him, strengthening the country’s capacity to produce key industrial and agricultural inputs as well as infrastructure, will also receive attention. Project and project-finance implementation will be made more modern, faster, efficient and accountable, President Taye added. He further said efforts will focus on modernizing the tax base, properly managing public debt and strengthening the government’s capacity to manage revenues and expenditures. The President also emphasized the need to strengthen coordination between the federal government and regional states, ensuring that implementation is unified, supported, efficient and effective. On foreign relations, President Taye said Ethiopia will seek to move from acceptance to greater influence, particularly by strengthening its friendships, engaging those with differing views and giving priority to regional peace and economic integration. Building on these priorities, he said Ethiopia expects to make progress across social, economic and service sectors. Electricity access is targeted to reach 65 percent, while efforts will be made to expand access to water services. Health insurance coverage is also targeted to increase to 85 percent. Regarding forest coverage, it will be expanded from its current level of 26 percent.   The number of Mesob one-stop service centers will be expanded and school feeding coverage will increase to 70 percent. The justice sector will be further modernized, while recommendations emerging from the national dialogue will be translated into practical action. President Taye also stressed the importance of promoting a culture of dialogue, compromise and peaceful resolution of differences based on mutual understanding and common interests. The implementation of these priorities will require stronger coordination, commitment and focus on results across government institutions. The President finally called on officials responsible for implementing the 2019 plan to put the interests of the public first, make effective use of time and resources, and demonstrate commitment and diligence in carrying out their responsibilities.  

Addis Ababa, October 6, 2026 (ENA)—President William Ruto of Kenya has congratulated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on his re-election to lead Ethiopia, describing the renewed mandate as a vote of confidence in his leadership and vision for the country. “Congratulations my brother, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on your re-election to lead Ethiopia for a second term,” President Ruto said.   He said the new mandate given to Prime Minister Abiy by the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives represents a vote of confidence in his leadership and vision for Ethiopia. “I wish you continued success as you lead Ethiopia to achieve its transformation agenda,” Ruto wrote on X. The Kenyan President further expressed his country’s readiness to continue working closely with Ethiopia to advance shared interests for the mutual benefit of the two countries’ peoples, the region and the wider global community.

Addis Ababa, October 6, 2026 (ENA)— The joint session marking the opening of the 7th year of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of Federation officially opened today, with President Taye Atske-Selassie presenting the government’s plans in various areas. The President highlighted the economy, security, social affairs, diplomacy and regional affairs, as well as a number of pressing national issues. The 7th House of Peoples’ Representatives held its founding first regular meeting for its first annual working term yesterday. During the session, the House of Peoples’ Representatives re-appointed Dr. Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister of the FDRE. The joint session of the two houses was held today. Speaking at the opening session, President Taye Atske-Selassie stated that achievements recorded in the economic sector sustainably guarantee economic sovereignty. In his opening speech to the two houses, President Taye Atske-Selassie stated that the results achieved in the economic sphere over the past five years have laid the foundation for future endeavors.   He indicated that successes registered in agriculture, export trade, tourism, industry, the digital sector and various other areas have accelerated economic growth. He noted that the government’s cessation of commercial borrowing and its increased capacity to efficiently execute long-delayed infrastructure projects have played a vital role in this growth. He also highlighted that positive results have been achieved through the multi-sectoral economic direction pursued under the government’s 10-year development plan. As evidence, he cited the enhancement of revenue-collection capacity achieved through a tight monetary and fiscal system.   President Taye emphasized that the achievements realized in the economy not only help overcome challenges and obstacles, but also guarantee economic sovereignty.

Addis Ababa, October 6, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia has charted a distinctive path toward its future by drawing on the country’s best experiences from the past while embracing the essential values and capabilities of the present, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. Speaking following his reelection as Prime Minister during the first regular session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives in the first working year of the seventh parliamentary term, PM Abiy said Ethiopia’s development trajectory is anchored in the philosophy of Medemer, which he described as an indigenous philosophy founded on addition, synergy ,and collective strength. The Prime Minister said the government had examined what kind of philosophy could provide solutions to Ethiopia’s pressing challenges and whether the country possessed an indigenous body of wisdom capable of guiding its development. “We ultimately confirmed that we did have an Ethiopian philosophy, and that is the philosophy of Medemer,” he said. According to PM Abiy, Ethiopians have historically demonstrated the principles of Medemer through their social and economic life, including intermarriage, trade, farming, pastoralism, mutual support ,and collective defense of the country. He said Ethiopia’s shared history, values, culture ,and sense of unity had been built and transmitted across generations through traditions of coexistence, cooperation and mutual support. The Prime Minister further argued that Ethiopian identity had endured internal divisions, political upheavals, social challenges and foreign invasions because Ethiopians had been able to combine unity with diversity, faith with values, individual interests with community interests, and the experiences of the past with the demands of the present. This approach, he said, provides a foundation for building what he described as a new Ethiopia that can prosper and become a source of pride internationally. PM Abiy also said Ethiopia should learn from other civilizations while developing its own institutions and values from an indigenous foundation. He cited European civilization, which he said evolved through the combination of European culture, Greek philosophy and Roman systems of governance, as well as East Asian civilization, which he said drew on Asian culture and Confucian philosophy. “What prevents us from following a similar principle?” he asked. The Prime Minister argued that Ethiopia can modernize its state and institutions by drawing on its own civilizational heritage while selectively adapting useful ideas and experiences from other countries. Rather than adopting foreign models wholesale, he said Ethiopia should adapt external experiences to its own circumstances, values and philosophical foundations. He said reforms undertaken in recent years have sought to combine international experience with Ethiopia’s traditions and national priorities, with Medemer serving as a unifying framework. PM Abiy said Ethiopia’s economic transformation could not be achieved through traditional, single sector development approaches. According to the Prime Minister, the government has therefore pursued a multisector economic strategy designed to connect agriculture, manufacturing, services, infrastructure and other productive sectors. “Times have changed,” he said, explaining that Ethiopia had moved away from a single track development approach toward pursuing multiple national objectives simultaneously. He said reforms in macroeconomic policy, production, manufacturing, agriculture, education, health, energy and foreign relations had begun producing results. The government, he added, would continue examining past shortcomings, making necessary adjustments and preparing the country to navigate rapidly changing global conditions. The approach, he said, reflects the principle of Medemer by bringing together different sectors and capabilities rather than treating national development as a series of isolated objectives. The Prime Minister also highlighted Ethiopia’s digital transformation, saying the initiatives are intended not only to enable the country to participate in the emerging digital economy but also to strengthen its capacity to shape its own future. He cited progress in digital finance, digital markets, digital public services, digital identification, artificial intelligence and digital platforms as important foundations for the country’s digital transformation. Digitalization is increasingly becoming part of the broader effort to modernize public institutions, expand economic opportunities and improve access to services, he said. By combining technological capabilities with national priorities, Ethiopia can build a development model that responds to both present needs and future challenges, PM Abiy added. PM Abiy also highlighted reforms involving state owned enterprises, saying many had previously been associated with losses and heavy debt. He said Ethiopian Investment Holdings had consolidated and restructured state assets, helping several developmental enterprises move from loss making operations toward generating revenue and profits. The reforms, he said, are intended to improve the efficiency and productivity of public assets while ensuring that state owned enterprises contribute more effectively to national economic development. The transformation of these enterprises forms part of the broader effort to make Ethiopia’s economy more productive and financially sustainable, according to the Prime Minister. PM Abiy also pointed to the restoration and development of Ethiopia’s historical heritage sites, saying previously neglected national assets had been renovated and opened to visitors. He cited Unity Park and sites around the Lower Palace as examples of national heritage assets restored for present and future generations while also contributing to tourism and economic activity. For the Prime Minister, preserving historical heritage is not simply a cultural undertaking. It is also part of recognizing Ethiopia’s history as an economic, social and national resource. The restoration of heritage sites, he said, demonstrates how historical assets can be combined with modern development to create opportunities for tourism, employment and investment. According to the Prime Minister, reform efforts are also changing Ethiopia’s cities and rural areas. He said corridor development had transformed urban spaces by bringing together transportation, financial services, networks, recreation, public services and historical sites. Cities that previously lacked adequate housing, parks and recreational spaces, he said, are increasingly becoming more functional and modern urban environments capable of hosting meetings and international conferences. The Prime Minister presented urban development as another example of Medemer in practice, with infrastructure and public services being integrated to improve the overall functionality of cities. PM Abiy also highlighted the government’s environmental and agricultural initiatives. He said Ethiopia had planted 56 billion seedlings through the Green Legacy initiative, contributing to increased vegetation cover and efforts to combat soil erosion. He further pointed to the expansion of summer irrigation and increased wheat and rice production, saying agricultural expansion had also contributed to growth in dairy, poultry and egg production. These developments, he said, indicate that Ethiopia’s ambition to achieve greater food self-sufficiency is becoming increasingly attainable. The expansion of irrigation and agricultural production is also intended to strengthen food security, increase productivity and create stronger links between crop production and other areas of the agricultural economy. The Prime Minister also cited the expansion of the Fayda national digital identification system, riverside development and the Gebeta (Dine) tourism initiatives as examples of efforts to unlock and showcase Ethiopia’s national resources. These initiatives, he said, form part of a broader strategy to modernize the state, improve access to services, develop tourism and make greater use of Ethiopia’s natural, cultural and historical assets. The Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s development efforts are increasingly focused on combining lessons from the past with the capabilities required for the future. He emphasized that the government would continue strengthening the reforms and initiatives already underway, arguing that Ethiopia can build a distinctive development path by combining indigenous values, modern institutions and lessons adapted from international experience. “We will continue to strengthen these promising beginnings,” the Premier underscored.  

By Staff Writer October 5, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia has formally entered a new five year political and institutional chapter with the inauguration of the seventh House of Peoples' Representatives, the establishment of parliamentary leadership in both chambers and the appointment and swearing in of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for a second term. The developments of October 5, 2026 completed a major stage of the constitutional process that followed the seventh general election and established the institutional foundation for the country’s new federal government. The day brought together the principal elements of the new political order. The newly elected House of Peoples’ Representatives opened the first regular session of the first working year of the seventh parliamentary term and elected Ahmed Shide as Speaker and Ayelech Eshete as Deputy Speaker. The House of Federation elected Muferihat Kamil as Speaker and Desta Ledamo as Deputy Speaker and established the leadership structures of its standing committees. The House of Peoples’ Representatives subsequently appointed Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Following his appointment, PM Abiy took the oath of office, formally beginning his second term as head of the federal government. The sequence represents the transition from an electoral mandate to constitutional government. The election provided the political basis for the new administration, while the inauguration of Parliament, the election of its leadership and the appointment of the Prime Minister established the principal institutions through which the federal government will operate during the new five year period. In this respect, October 5 represents more than the opening of another parliamentary session. It marks the completion of a constitutional process through which the mandate emerging from the election has been translated into functioning institutions of government. The new government follows the June 1 seventh general election, in which more than 54 million citizens participated, according to the National Election Board of Ethiopia. With the newly elected House now convened, the country has moved from the electoral stage into a new phase centered on governance, legislation, policy implementation and development. This gives the day significance beyond the formal ceremonies of the day. It marks the point at which the mandate emerging from the election is translated into the structures through which government will operate during the new five-year period. The inauguration of the seventh House of Peoples’ Representatives is therefore a defining event in the new parliamentary cycle. The lower chamber will undertake its constitutional responsibilities, including legislation, approval of the federal budget and oversight of the executive. The House of Federation, with its leadership and committee structures established, will similarly begin its responsibilities within the federal constitutional system. Together, the two chambers provide the legislative foundation for the new period of government. Their work will shape the legal and policy environment in which the executive implements its programs and in which regional and local institutions carry national priorities into communities. The appointment and swearing in of PM Abiy Ahmed represent the central executive milestone in the formation of the new government. In his address following his appointment, Abiy placed the new term within a broader national framework centered on unity, preparedness, national interests and development. Reflecting on the transition into the new five-year period, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of learning from the country’s past while preparing for changing national, regional and global circumstances. “Getting tripped up by an obstacle once is natural, but stumbling repeatedly is not normal,” PM Abiy said, stressing the importance of drawing lessons from previous experiences and strengthening the country’s preparedness for future challenges. His message also placed national unity at the center of the new political chapter. The Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s challenges can be overcome through collective effort and cooperation, presenting the new term as a period in which citizens should move forward together. “Ethiopia will have only winning citizens, not losers,” he emphasized, framing national development as a shared undertaking whose benefits should extend across society. The message is consistent with the Medemer approach presented by the new administration. The concept emphasizes addition, cooperation and the combined use of national capabilities, bringing together government institutions, businesses, communities, technology, human resources and natural resources in pursuit of common development objectives. The formation of the new government gives this approach an institutional setting. It provides an opportunity to strengthen coordination among Parliament, the executive, regional administrations, the private sector and other national institutions and to connect individual development initiatives within a broader national framework. Prime Minister Abiy also presented the new political chapter as an opportunity to convert Ethiopia’s accumulated experience and capabilities into practical results. “Yesterday has passed, and tomorrow is yet to come; but today has arrived favorably,” he noted, placing emphasis on the opportunities available in the present and the need to act on them. The government does not begin its new term with an empty policy agenda. It inherits a range of reforms and development programs pursued across the economy and public sector in recent years. These include agricultural modernization, infrastructure development, energy expansion, digital transformation, manufacturing, tourism, environmental restoration, investment promotion and public sector reform. The new five-year period provides an opportunity to consolidate these initiatives and strengthen their connections. The central objective is to move from individual projects and sectoral programs toward greater coordination and implementation, allowing progress in one area to reinforce development in others. Agriculture remains an important foundation of this agenda. Expanded irrigation and increased wheat and rice production have strengthened Ethiopia’s capacity to raise domestic agricultural output and advance food sovereignty. Greater agricultural productivity can also provide inputs for agro processing and manufacturing while supporting transportation, storage, trade and employment. The Premier referred to the expansion of summer wheat production in his speech as an example of how ambitious national objectives can be translated into practical results. He recalled that the initiative had initially been viewed by some as unrealistic, but said its results had demonstrated Ethiopia’s capacity to increase domestic production and reduce dependence on imported wheat. The relationship between agriculture and energy is particularly important. Expanded electricity generation can support irrigation and agricultural processing, while reliable power can strengthen rural industries and create opportunities for value addition. Energy development can therefore contribute not only to electricity supply but also to wider economic transformation. Infrastructure provides another foundation for this transformation. Roads, urban development, energy networks, telecommunications infrastructure and public facilities connect communities with markets and services while improving the movement of people and goods. Digital transformation adds another dimension to the emerging economic structure. The expansion of digital identification, digital finance, online public services and emerging technologies is creating new possibilities for public administration and economic participation. The Fayda national digital identification system provides a foundation for wider access to services, while digital financial platforms are expanding opportunities for participation in the formal economy. Technology can also support improvements in government administration, education, research, business development and service delivery. The continued expansion of digital infrastructure consequently has implications well beyond the technology sector itself, providing tools that can support productivity across the economy. The restructuring and improved management of state-owned enterprises and public assets also form part of the economic agenda. More productive public enterprises can strengthen revenue generation, support employment, attract investment and create stronger links with the private sector. Better utilization of existing assets can complement new investment and contribute to a more productive economic system. Environmental restoration and tourism provide further dimensions of the development platform. The Green Legacy initiative has expanded tree planting and landscape restoration, linking environmental protection with climate resilience and sustainable development. At the same time, heritage restoration and tourism development are creating opportunities around Ethiopia’s historical, cultural and natural assets. These sectors are increasingly interconnected within the broader Medemer approach. Agricultural modernization can support manufacturing, expanded electricity can strengthen industry and irrigation, digital services can improve public administration and financial inclusion, infrastructure can connect producers with markets, and tourism can combine heritage preservation with investment and employment. The new government therefore has an opportunity to approach development as an integrated national process rather than as a collection of separate sectoral activities. Progress in one area can provide the foundation for progress in another, creating stronger links between production, infrastructure, technology, investment and employment. National unity and institutional cooperation are also important to this process. The federal system provides a framework for cooperation between national and regional institutions, with Parliament providing representation and legislative oversight, the executive providing national policy direction and implementation, and regional governments connecting national programs with local development priorities. Prime Minister Abiy emphasized this collective dimension in his address, calling for Ethiopians to move forward together and stressing that national interests should transcend political differences. He pointed to cooperation among political actors on matters of national importance as evidence that differences can coexist with collaboration when shared interests are placed at the center. The government also enters its new term with Ethiopia’s regional and international economic interests closely connected to its development agenda. Sea access remains a long-term national priority, with the government emphasizing peaceful engagement, negotiation and mutually beneficial arrangements. Abiy reaffirmed this position in his October 5 address, saying, “We will work tirelessly to ensure Ethiopia secures a sea outlet.” The issue is linked to Ethiopia’s wider economic ambitions because reliable maritime connectivity has implications for trade, logistics, investment and regional economic integration. Ethiopia’s geographic position also creates opportunities to strengthen economic relationships across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region and the wider continent through energy cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, trade and digital services. The Prime Minister placed these ambitions within a broader vision of Ethiopia’s future, arguing that the country should not limit itself to transforming its own economy but should aspire to contribute to transformation beyond its borders. The new five-year term thus begins with a combination of established institutions, ongoing reforms and a broad development agenda. The parliamentary leadership is in place, the federal executive has been constituted and the Prime Minister has formally assumed his second term. The significance of October 5 lies in bringing these elements together. The election provided the mandate, the Constitution provided the process, Parliament provided the institutional mechanism and the appointment and swearing in of the Prime Minister completed a central stage in the establishment of the new administration. The emphasis can now shift from political transition toward implementation. Parliament will legislate and exercise oversight, the executive will formulate and implement policies, and regional governments will carry national priorities into local development. Businesses, investors and citizens will also contribute to the broader economic and social development process. The new term consequently provides an opportunity to connect Ethiopia’s people, institutions, resources and development programs around a common national agenda. It also creates a framework for combining the country’s historical experience with modern technology, institutions and global knowledge. The approach seeks to preserve the strengths of Ethiopia’s past while building the capabilities required for a changing economy and a more interconnected world. Agriculture can be modernized while strengthening food production, renewable energy can support industrialization, digital services can improve access to government and finance, tourism can combine heritage with employment, and infrastructure can connect producers and consumers across regions. This combination is central to the Medemer approach and to the broader development framework presented for the new term. Its practical significance will ultimately depend on how effectively the newly established institutions coordinate policies, allocate resources and implement programs. October 5, 2026 therefore marks more than the opening of another parliamentary session. It marks Ethiopia’s formal transition from the seventh general election into a new phase of constitutional government and national development, with the seventh Parliament beginning its work and PM Abiy Ahmed beginning his second term as Prime Minister. The principal institutions are now in place. The political mandate has moved into an institutional framework, and the new federal government has assumed responsibility for the next five-year period. The coming term provides an opportunity to consolidate ongoing reforms, strengthen institutions and connect Ethiopia’s development initiatives more closely with one another. The focus can now increasingly be placed on implementation, productivity, service delivery, investment, employment and broader economic opportunity. In this sense, the formation of the government is not the conclusion of the political process that began with the election. It is the beginning of its governance phase. The seventh Parliament has begun its work, the federal executive has been formally established and the Prime Minister has assumed his second term. The institutional foundation is therefore in place for the new administration to pursue its national agenda and translate the mandate of the new parliamentary cycle into policies, programs and development results. Ethiopia has moved from election to government, from mandate to institutions and from political transition to a new phase of national development. The new five year period now begins with the institutions, leadership and constitutional framework required to turn that moment into sustained implementation and national development.

Biography presented by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh during the appointment of Dr. Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia   Honorable Speaker, Distinguished Members of the House, Honorable Invited Guests, Today, before this honored Parliament, and in accordance with Article 73, Sub-Article 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, I have the immense honor, pride and privilege, on behalf of the Prosperity Party—which has secured the profound trust of the Ethiopian people and won a parliamentary majority in the 7th General Election—to nominate a great Ethiopian of our time for the position of Prime Minister of Ethiopia.   At this defining moment, when the foundation of a new chapter in Ethiopian civilization is being laid, our party, Prosperity, demonstrates its unwavering determination to place Ethiopia firmly on the foundation of her greatness by presenting this great Ethiopian for the Premiership. He is a leader created for Ethiopia, called to serve, untiring and undaunted; a leader who knows no fatigue, endless in innovation, tireless with his pen, rich in compassion and defined by resilience. From his parents, he learned patriotism and respect for the people at an early age. Raised among Ethiopia's diverse peoples and faiths, history shaped him to belong to all and to serve all. From the small village of Beshasha, he looked far beyond his immediate surroundings and dreamed of a greater Ethiopia. Whether she was grieving or rejoicing, whether facing hardship or moving forward, he longed for the day when he could serve this great nation and help her rise to the height of her history and prosper to the full measure of her riches. It was for this reason that, at the tender age of 14, he entered the armed struggle to serve his country and make sacrifices for it. He possesses a character that fights to the very end against anything he believes is not beneficial to Ethiopia. After the fall of the Derg regime, he joined the regular military. During the Ethio-Eritrean War, he served on the front lines in defense of his country's sovereignty.   Yet, inside the foxholes of the Badme front, he did more than fight. He wept, he reflected, he planned, and he weighed ideas about change. His military journey, which took him to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, became a chapter in which he came to know Ethiopia intimately and, in doing so, contemplated the fate of tomorrow's Ethiopia. He paid the price of service by traveling to different parts of the country and observing Ethiopia firsthand. As he looked upon her, his love for her deepened; her weariness concerned him; her poverty angered him; and the fact that this great country was not yet truly great gave him no rest. In particular, when he was deployed to Rwanda as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission to help halt the genocide, he began to see Ethiopia through a comparative lens. He reflected: If we do not preserve our multinational unity, if each of us does not respect the rights of all, if we do not make our unity our strength and our diversity our ornament, and if we do not resolve our problems through consultation and dialogue, how will our fate differ from Rwanda's?   From that point onward, he sought to live by this conviction. He demonstrated that it is possible to live together by resolving differences through peace, dialogue and reconciliation. In the small town of Beshasha, he played a remarkable peacebuilding role, helping resolve faith-based tensions through dialogue, counsel and forgiveness. It was from this experience that he resolutely declared that the sword of reconciliation—carrying peace, forgiveness and love—is far better than the sword that beheads. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from Microlink Information Technology College, an MBA in Transformational Leadership from Leadstar Management and Leadership College, an MA from the University of Greenwich, and a PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Addis Ababa University. In addition to numerous national and international awards, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He also sought to usher Ethiopia into a new chapter of transformation through his former membership and leadership in the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), his role as founder of the Information Network Security Agency (INSA), and his service as Minister of Science and Technology. Cultivating people and transforming lives, providing leadership and service free from corruption and theft, working alongside employees like a brother, and turning every responsibility—no matter how small—into a center of change for a greater Ethiopia became his daily way of life. Eight years ago, Ethiopia yearned for change. Poverty and backwardness had embittered the people. Division and fragmentation distressed the nation. Growth was being stifled, and grievances were accumulating. Fairness had vanished, the dominance of a single faction prevailed, and the country was suffering. Projects had stalled. Rights had been suppressed. Prisons were filled. Political divisions had sharpened. Ethiopia had entered a period of profound trial. At that critical moment, Ethiopia needed not merely change, but an apostle of change—a leader who would not draw the sword, incite revolution, demand destruction or build upon the grave of another. She needed a leader who would unite the people, bring partners and affiliates together as one, safeguard the rights of all peoples equitably, and focus on tomorrow rather than yesterday. At that critical hour, from within the EPRDF leadership, among its intellectuals, from the Oromia Region and from the womb of Ethiopia, a man named Abiy emerged. With wisdom and skill, through peaceful struggle, by aligning the people behind a shared purpose, strengthening the multinational bonds among Ethiopians, and challenging the dominance of a single faction, he brought about the envisioned change. Change was achieved through organizational appeal, public struggle and popular momentum. Ethiopia had repeatedly experienced bloody and destructive revolutions. This time, however, through reform, she sought to uproot only the thorn. She ceased demolishing her existing capacities simply to build anew. Erasing yesterday completely proved painful, yet accepting it exactly as it was offered no solution. Thus, building upon yesterday's foundation, she repaired what was broken, uprooted the weeds and embarked upon a new path toward tomorrow. Eight years ago, before this very Parliament, the name of the Creator was invoked with honor. The name of Ethiopia was called with love and respect. Opponents were described as competitors. A call for peace was extended to all engaged in conflict. Mothers were honored and appreciated.   The herald of an Ethiopia embarking on a new journey toward prosperity was proclaimed. Forgiveness was sought for all misdeeds committed in the name of the EPRDF. Peace, forgiveness and love were declared. A fresh breeze swept across modern Ethiopian politics. Since that time, this man has remained at work. He introduced a new tradition into Ethiopian political history. He enabled competing political parties and the governing party to serve together in one government. He traveled across America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, calling upon Ethiopians and partners to embrace peace and development. He secured pardons and the release of numerous political prisoners. Media outlets opened more freely. Politicians who had been living in exile returned home and were even entrusted with positions of government leadership. He worked to reconcile the separated fathers of the Orthodox Synod and the Islamic Affairs leadership. He ensured legal recognition for the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Evangelical Council. He sought to make security institutions free from political bias and transform them into guardians of the constitutional order. The Election Board and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission became independent and impartial institutions. Laws considered oppressive and restrictive—laws deemed unfitting for a modern Ethiopia—were amended, while judicial and court independence was upheld. He traveled from district to district to consult directly with the people. He facilitated efforts to resolve regional statehood demands in Southern Ethiopia. He transformed the concept of the Ethiopian revolution from a political revolution into a wheat and rice revolution. Through the Gebeta le Sheger (Dine for Sheger), Gebeta le Hager (Dine for the Nation), and Gebeta le Twolde (Dine for Generations) initiatives, he brought to fruition visionary projects designed to protect Ethiopia's heritage while creating new destinations for the future. He transformed Ethiopia through initiatives such as Clean and Green Ethiopia, Bountiful Development, Rural-Urban Corridors, Summer Wheat, Ease of Doing Business, Sharing Meals, Winter Volunteerism and Digital Ethiopia. Through writing, publishing and training, he worked tirelessly to build competent leadership for Ethiopia. He conceived the Moseb One-Stop Service initiative and expanded it across all regions. Under the Green Legacy Initiative, he oversaw the planting of 56 billion trees. He published four Medemer books and used the proceeds to build schools across all regions. He enabled Ethiopia to stop importing wheat and move toward self-sufficiency. He expanded fruit production and positioned it for export markets. He lifted Ethiopia's mining sector out of backwardness, enabling it to generate five years' worth of output compared with the previous century. Through Digital Ethiopia, he made it possible for money to reside in our mobile phones. By guiding macroeconomic reform, he restored balance to Ethiopia's fragile economy.   Through a fiercely challenging struggle, he navigated the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He built a strong and modern defense force for Ethiopia. He raised Ethiopian industries from the brink of decline and positioned them as drivers of the economy. He initiated and successfully guided the National Dialogue to fruition—an idea that had once been dismissed and criticized. He dismantled the separation between "allies" and "core affiliates" in order to build a unified multinational party. He emerged from the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic, recurring conflicts, locust invasions and severe droughts refined like a diamond and stronger through adversity. From his youth, he has shown little tolerance for anyone who deliberately rises against Ethiopia. He endures much and tolerates much; but when it comes to Ethiopia's sovereignty, he tolerates no one. That is why, when enemies rose believing they could destroy Ethiopia, he set aside his office as Prime Minister, exchanged his tie for fatigue uniforms and marched to the front line. Today, this is a man fighting for Ethiopia to secure access to the sea. He is leading Ethiopia toward the construction of the massive Bishoftu International Airport. He is working tirelessly, day and night, to ensure Ethiopia achieves food self-sufficiency. He is enabling Ethiopia to become interconnected through digital identity. He is paving the way for Ethiopia to build a civilization that connects yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is facilitating the transition of farmers toward modern cluster farming. He is crafting a new rural strategy to enable pastoralists to transition into modern ways of living. He works day and night so that urban dwellers can enjoy better and more comfortable urban infrastructure. In Addis Ababa, for instance, he has sought to turn into action his promise: "We will make her new and a flower, just like her name." He is a priceless leader. He is enabling the structural transformation of the Ethiopian economy. He is building a political culture in which governing and competing parties can lead the nation together and collaborate on matters of national interest. Girding his loins and dedicating his time to the country, he works relentlessly to make a great Ethiopia even greater. He has reshaped Ethiopia's foreign relations beyond rigid notions of "enemy" and "friend," pursuing instead a pragmatic and action-oriented diplomacy. This is why, today, before this august assembly, I nominate Honorable Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali to serve as Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He has envisioned change. He has led change. And he has lived change for all to see. Born in Beshasha town, Jimma Zone, Oromia Region of Ethiopia, he is now 50 years old. He has dedicated three-quarters of his life to national service. He is married, a father of four children, and a friend to millions. Distinguished Members of the House, As our Prosperity Party nominates Honorable Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali—a gifted son of Ethiopia who has emerged refined like gold through the furnace of change, who has not merely lived through history but changed its course, and whom Ethiopia has sought and found across the eras—to serve as Prime Minister of Ethiopia, we do so with the greatest honor, pride and sense of privilege. I thank you.

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2026 (ENA)—Current African Union Chairperson and President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, has extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on his election for a new term. The message follows the appointment of Dr. Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister by the seventh House of Peoples’ Representatives during its first regular session of the first working year of the seventh parliamentary term held today. In his congratulatory message, AU Chairperson Ndayishimiye said: “Congratulations on your re-election, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.” He wished Prime Minister Abiy success in his new term of office, expressing hope that the growth, unity and prosperity of the Ethiopian people will endure as the country works toward achieving its strategic national goals. The AU Chairperson also reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the government and people of Ethiopia to advance sustainable peace, regional stability, stronger cooperation and shared economic development across the African continent.