Ethiopia’s parliament has officially approved the appointment of Taye Astike Selassie as the new president, replacing the country’s first female head of state, Sahle-Work Zewde. This change comes amid reports of a falling out between Sahle-Work and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Taye, who served as foreign minister since February, assumes a largely ceremonial role, as the political power in Ethiopia predominantly lies with the prime minister. His appointment marks a shift in leadership dynamics, with Abiy continuing to hold significant influence over the government.

Sahle-Work’s presidency, which began in 2018, was initially celebrated as a breakthrough for gender equality in Ethiopian politics, largely due to Abiy’s support. However, in recent years, sources indicate that the relationship between the two leaders soured. A cryptic message posted by Sahle-Work on social media suggested her dissatisfaction, hinting at a desire to speak out after a year of silence.

At 74 years old, Sahle-Work reportedly expressed her eagerness for the end of her term, which is set for later this month. Throughout her presidency, she emphasized calls for peace, particularly amid the ongoing civil conflict in Tigray. However, she faced criticism for not addressing the issue of gender-based violence more directly, especially during the two-year conflict in the region.

Concerns about violence in the Oromia and Amhara regions also shaped her presidency, as federal forces engaged in battles with local militias, leading to numerous casualties and allegations of human rights violations.

Taye, 68, is an experienced diplomat with a background in the United Nations and diplomatic roles in Egypt. His close ties to Prime Minister Abiy suggest a continuation of the current administration’s policies. Taye was sworn in before members of parliament on Monday, marking a new chapter in Ethiopia’s political landscape.