Ethiopia Reforms: Sahle-Work Zewde becomes country's first female president

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01:59

Ethiopia has its first female president. Sahle Work Zewde was sworn in on Thursday. CGTN's Girum Chala has more on this milestone and what's next for the country.

A seasoned diplomat with years of experience working at the United Nations, Sahle-Work Zewde has been appointed president of Ethiopia. She replaces Mulatu Teshome, who announced his resignation to pave the way for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali's reforms. Zewde says sustaining peace will be a priority during her six-year tenure.

SAHLE-WORK ZEWDE ETHIOPIAN PRESIDENT "Because women are the primary victims during war, my focus will be bringing Ethiopians and other Africans to work together so peace can prevail in our country."

Under Ethiopia's Constitution, the prime minister holds the political power and the president is more of a ceremonial position. However, Zewde is committed to women's rights and overall well-being.

SAHLE-WORK ZEWDE ETHIOPIAN PRESIDENT "We have to build a generation with zero tolerance for violence against women. If anyone out thinks these are just words, not actions, rest assured, this is just the beginning."

Lawmakers have welcomed her appointment.

TAGESSE CHAFO ETHIOPIAN PARLIAMENTARY SPEAKER "We chose Sahle-Work Zewde based on her experience and her remarkable contributions to her country, the continent and the world. We believe she can lead Ethiopia with diligently and effectively."

GIRUM CHALA ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA "Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently reduced his Cabinet to 20 ministers -- half of whom are women. However, Ethiopian authorities say the appointment of women in government is not only for the sake of equality, as the candidates are chosen on merit. Girum Chala, CGTN, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia."