Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has begun a fresh five-year term after taking the oath of office during the opening of the country's seventh parliamentary term in Addis Ababa. Abiy was sworn in on Monday, October 5, at the inaugural sitting of the newly elected House of Peoples' Representatives, formally starting his second term as head of Ethiopia's federal government. The ceremony followed Ethiopia's June 1 general election, in which more than 54 million people were registered to participate.
President William Ruto has congratulated Abiy on securing another five-year mandate, describing his re-election as a demonstration of confidence in his leadership and vision for Ethiopia. Ruto said Kenya would continue working closely with Ethiopia on shared interests benefiting the two countries. In his congratulatory message, Ruto expressed his wishes for Abiy's continued success as he leads Ethiopia to achieve its transformation agenda.
Abiy formally assumed office during the first regular inaugural session of the first working year of the newly elected House of Peoples' Representatives. The opening of the new parliamentary term also resulted in the election of Ahmed Shide as Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives, while Muferihat Kamil was elected Speaker of the House of Federation. The new administration begins its five-year term under what Abiy's government has described as the “Medemer Government”.
The Prosperity Party secured 438 of the 501 contested parliamentary seats, giving Abiy a strong parliamentary base as he begins his second term. Kenya and Ethiopia maintain important ties in areas including regional security, trade, infrastructure, diplomacy, and economic cooperation, making relations between Nairobi and Addis Ababa significant to the wider Horn of Africa.
Abiy's second term begins amid several challenges, including security concerns, internal political divisions, and broader tensions across the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia is also seeking reliable access to the Red Sea. During his address after taking the oath, Abiy said his administration would pursue maritime access through dialogue, negotiations, and arrangements based on mutual benefit.
Abiy first became prime minister in 2018 after a period of widespread anti-government protests. He initially gained international recognition for efforts to improve relations with Eritrea, a move that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. His administration later faced a major conflict in the northern Tigray region, adding to the political and security challenges confronting Ethiopia.
In his congratulatory message, Ruto stated, “Congratulations my brother, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on your re-election to lead Ethiopia for a second term. Your new mandate by Ethiopia House of People's Representatives is a vote of confidence in your leadership and vision you have for your country. Kenya looks forward to continuing working closely with you to advance our shared interests for the mutual benefit of our peoples, our region, and the wider global community.”
Key points
- Abiy Ahmed has been sworn in for a second five-year term as Ethiopia's prime minister.
- President William Ruto congratulated Abiy on his re-election, describing it as a vote of confidence in his leadership and vision.
- Abiy's second term begins amid several challenges, including security concerns and internal political divisions.
