Sahle-Work Zewde becomes Ethiopia’s first female president

Ethiopia has elected its first female president, Sahle-Work Zewde.

According to a report on BBC Africa, Ms Zewde was elected by members of parliament.

Ms Zewde’s emergence to the ceremonial position comes as the former president Mulatu Teshome resigned from office. Mr Teshome tendered his resignation to parliament on Wednesday.

In June 2018, Ms Zewde was appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General as his Special Representative to the African Union, and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union at the level of Under-Secretary-General.

Her election comes after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed a cabinet with half the posts taken up by women.