NGEC welcomes Ethiopia President’s election

The Commission has welcomed the election of Sahle-Work Zewde - the first female President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia describing the development as a seminal phase in the political leadership of not just Ethiopia as a country but as a benchmark for the entire continent.

In a statement, Chairperson Dr. Joyce Mutinda said the election of Ms. Zewde was a demonstration that Africa is increasingly becoming conscious of the invaluable contribution to governance and leadership by women.

Ethiopian lawmakers in both houses of Parliament voted Thursday unanimously to hand Sahle-Work Zewde the largely ceremonial position in a first for the Horn of Africa nation that is undergoing major political transformation under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Dr. Mutinda observed that Ms. Zewde’s election serves as a solid affirmation to women in the region that they are capable of ascending to the highest office of political leadership. “Here in Kenya, the events in Ethiopia should serve to amplify the quest for gender parity in political representation particularly in the National Assembly and Senate as well as other elective offices”. She said.

Photo: Sahle-Work Zewde