On Monday, Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed was sworn in as Prime Minister for a second five-year term. His inauguration arrives as an almost year-long war in Tigray’s northern region spreads into other parts of the nation, with reports warning that oppressive government methods are returning.
Signs displaying a flower and the expression “New Beginnings” were witnessed across the capital ahead of Monday’s ceremony.
“I, Abiy Ahmed Ali, today in the House of People’s Representatives, accept the appointment as prime minister, as I pledge to undertake responsibly and with faith to the constitution the responsibility placed upon me by the people,” he said while during the swearing-in ceremony in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi.
Only three African heads of state of Nigeria, Senegal and bordering Somalia were present at the ceremony. “Today is a milestone yet only a beginning of a season of hope,” Abiy’s senior adviser Mamo Mihretu said on Twitter. “The road ahead might be daunting, but we shall not be weary.”
Today is a milestone yet only a beginning of a season of hope.
As we hv been given historic mandate and a sacred trust, we must collectively rise to the challenge of delivering peace & progress to all Ethiopians.
The road ahead might be daunting, but we shall not be weary. 🇪🇹
— Mamo Mihretu (@mihretum) October 4, 2021
What happened during the election?
Abiy’s Prosperity Party was named the victor of parliamentary elections in June. The vote was reprimanded and even ostracised by certain parties, who claimed their candidates had been detained. Yet, electoral witnesses said it was a better race than past elections.
Abiy declared the vote as the country’s first free and fair voting. The region of Tigray was excluded from the votes.
Authorities stood for elections for some of the seats last week. The results, which will not significantly impact the balance of power within the parliament, are anticipated later this month.
How did Abiy rise to power?
Abiy has served as prime minister since 2018. Ethiopia’s ruling coalition selected him after his predecessor Hailemariam Desalegn quit amidst widespread protest.
Abiy’s selection led to his election as chairman of the ruling four-party alliance, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).
Abiy disintegrated EPRDF to establish the Prosperity Party in 2019. The move was directed to strained ties with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which had ruled the coalition for almost three decades.
