Peaceful Power Transitions in Ethiopia Exemplary for Africa: Opposition Party Leaders

Addis Ababa October 25/2018 Peaceful power transitions and inclusive leadership have made Ethiopia exemplary for the rest of Africa, leaders of opposition parties said. Following the election of Sahlework Zewde as President of the Republic today, opposition leaders expressed optimism over the ongoing peaceful and inclusive power transition. The former President, Mulatu Teshome, reportedly tendered resignation yesterday. Coalition for Unity and Democracy President, Ayele Chamiso said the move which started by the election of Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed, replacing the former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn who also tendered resignation has introduced radical change in smooth transfer of power. Since the beginning of the reform by the new premier in April 2018, Ethiopia has been making all-round reform, he added. Noting that the Ethiopian government is promoting gender balanced cabinet, Ayele stated that the election of the new female President Sahlework Zewde by the House of People’s Representatives is a good demonstration that the country has been striving to create diversified and harmonious team at the helm. “I think the opposition and Ethiopians fought to bring this kind of change and make Ethiopia a country for all,” he claimed. This is ideal and other African countries should learn from the peaceful political transition. “You know that the root of Africa’s endemic problems could partly be traced back to bad perception towards political power; and power abuse as well as violation of human rights is common to Africa,” Ayele pointed out. Commenting on the acceptance speech of the newly elected president, Ayele said he believes that Sahlework Zewde is the right person that can serve Ethiopia as president. Ethiopian Democratic Union Deputy Chairman, Gebru Berhe said on his part it is a significant milestone that Ethiopia has brought the first female president in its history. The world’s eyes are on Ethiopia that has picked fresh leadership with 50 percent gender balanced government. “As a contending political party, we appreciate this sweeping reform underway in the country,” Gebru concluded.