Statement from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation on the appointment of Ethiopia’s first female president, Madame President Sahle-Work Zewde

We would like to congratulate the new President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde who yesterday was elected by parliament to become the country’s first female president.

As a long-serving and hard-working diplomat focussed on bringing unity and peace, Sahle-Work Zewde is an inspiring role model for young Ethiopians. Together with the recently appointed gender balanced cabinet, this appointment marks a significant step forward in creating a more prosperous Ethiopia free of religious, ethnic and gender discrimination.

Gender equality is essential in creating a more democratic and inclusive government and society, and we wholeheartedly support and celebrate this historic moment.

Our best wishes to Madame President Sahle-Work Zewde.