Hargeysa(Mogadishu24)-The breakaway republic of Somaliland extended its congratulations to Taye Atske Selassie on his election as the new President of Ethiopia, replacing Sahle-Work Zewde, who served for the past six years.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Somaliland’s President Muse Bihi Abdi stated, “Warmest congratulations to H.E. @TayeAtske Selassie on becoming the new President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. I wish you success and look forward to strengthening the bond between our nations.”

Taye Atske Selassie, Ethiopia’s former foreign minister, was a key figure in negotiating Ethiopia’s strategic interests, including the January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding that granted Ethiopia 20 kilometers of sea access through Somaliland. His leadership in resolving the ongoing conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia over territorial and water access issues played a significant role in his rise to the presidency.

The African Union and IGAD have also welcomed the appointment of President Taye, marking a new chapter in Ethiopia’s regional diplomacy and leadership.