User:Sfox23/sandbox

Praise for Sahle-Work Zewde’s Presidency

Upon her confirmation and acceptance as President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde received praise from many prominent global figures.


 * Dr. Vera Songwe is the Executive Secretary for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Dr. Vera Songwe congratulated Sahle-Work Zewde via Twitter, noting how she “silently broke many records in her domestic and international career” referring to Sahle-Work Zewde being the first woman to hold many of her previous positions, including her current position as president.


 * Fitsum Arega is currently the Chief of Staff to Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Fitsum Arega concluded of Sahle-Work Zewde’s Presidency that “in a patriarchal society such as ours, the appointment of a female head of state not only sets the standard for future but also normalizes women as decision-makers in public life”. Fitsum Arega expects Sahle-Work Zewde to bring “right competence and experience to the office”.
 * The South African government issued a press release congratulating Sahle-Work Zewde on her newest position. In the press release, the South African government expressed their hopes to strengthen ties with Ethiopia in terms of economic relations during Sahle-Work Zelda’s presidency.
 * Antonio Gueterres is the current Secretary General of the United Nations and also Sahle-Work Zewde’s former boss during her time working for the United Nations. Antonio Gueterres praised Sahle-Work Zewde upon her confirmation by proclaiming that “the African continent is leading the way in showcasing women’s engagement and leadership are crucial to lasting peace”.
 * Zemedeneh Negatu is the global chairman of Fairfax Africa Fund LLC. Zemedeneh Negatu commended Sahle-Work Zewde via Twitter on her acceptance of the Presidency of Ethiopia.
 * Mussa Faki Mhamat is the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Mussa Faki Mhamat stated that Sahle-Work Zewde’s confirmation as president is good for her country and the continent because of her knowledge of the African Union as well as her experience as a diplomat.
 * The Catholic Church in Ethiopia issued a statement praising Sahle-Work Zewde. The statement encouraged her to “further enhance the soft power of the country at an international level” during her time as president. The statement comes in response Sahle-Work Zewde’s meeting with the current leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, during her time as Director-General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi in 2015.
 * Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is the current President of Ghana. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commended Sahle-Work Zewde by recognizing that she had “cemented [her] place not only in the history of Ethiopia where [she] has become [her] nation’s first female president, but also in Africa, as, currently, [she] is the continent’s only Head of State.” This praise came alongside hopes for strong future relations between Ethiopia and Ghana.