Omanghana
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took the oath of office on Monday, October 5, 2026, beginning a new five-year term as his government confronts renewed fighting and deteriorating relations with neighboring Eritrea.
The ceremony took place before the House of Peoples’ Representatives in Addis Ababa during the opening session of Ethiopia’s seventh parliamentary term. His reappointment followed the ruling Prosperity Party’s victory in June’s general election, in which it secured 438 of the legislature’s 547 seats.
Lawmakers also elected Ahmed Shide as Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, with Ayelech Eshete chosen as Deputy Speaker. In the upper chamber, Muferihat Kamil became Speaker of the House of Federation, while Desta Ledamo was elected her deputy.
The appointments established the parliamentary leadership for the new administration following the national elections.
Abiy’s renewed mandate comes amid clashes between federal forces and the recently formed Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, an armed coalition seeking to remove his government. The fighting has intensified concerns about stability in Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa.
Relations with Eritrea have also sharply deteriorated. On October 1, Ethiopia announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave, accusing them of activities threatening national security.
Eritrea rejected Ethiopia’s allegations and severed diplomatic relations in response. Addis Ababa has accused Asmara of supporting rebel forces, a claim the Eritrean government denies.
Addressing lawmakers after his swearing-in, Abiy emphasized the protection of Ethiopia’s national interests and its regional influence. He also renewed his argument that access to the sea is essential to the landlocked country’s development.
His remarks came as neighboring states warned about the risk of a broader regional confrontation. Ethiopia has maintained that it remains committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement while defending its sovereignty and strategic interests.
Source: Omanghana
