Taye Atske Selassie

Taye Atske Selassie Amde (, born 13 January 1956) is an Ethiopian diplomat and politician who is the President of Ethiopia since 2024. Prior to his presidency, he served in multiple diplomatic roles, including ambassador to Egypt and Permanent representative to the United Nations, and as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Early life and education Taye Atske Selassie Amde was born in Debarq, Gondar. He graduated from Addis Ababa University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations and a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lancaster University in 1989.

Career In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taye was a consultant in the European Department, head of the Western Europe Department, and acting Director of Information. He was Minister Counsellor at the Ethiopian embassy in Washington D.C. and consul general in Los Angeles from October 2002 to November 2010. From 2017 to 2018, he served as Ethiopia's ambassador to Egypt. In 2018, he became Permanent representative to the United Nations for Ethiopia. He was critical of a report by the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia detailing atrocities committed by Ethiopia in the Tigray war.

Demeke Mekonnen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, resigned on 26 January 2024, and Taye was selected to replace him on 8 February. He led indirect negotiations with Somalia through Turkey about Ethiopia leasing 20 kilometres of coastline from Somaliland in exchange for diplomatic recognition.

Presidency

President Sahle-Work Zewde was removed from her position after allegedly falling out with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. On 7 October 2024, Taye was sworn in as President of Ethiopia. Taye is an ally of Ahmed.

In May 2025, Taye visited Moscow to attend the 80th Anniversary of Victory Day at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.