Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has begun another five-year term, calling for national unity and greater focus on the country’s future….reports Africa Daily News Desk
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed began his new five-year term on October 5, 2026, after being re-elected, pledging to strengthen the country’s democratic culture and address national challenges through unity. The African Union has congratulated Abiy on his re-election, saying it looks forward to continued cooperation with his government on Africa’s integration, peace, security and development.
Delivering his inaugural remarks as the new government was formed, Abiy described Ethiopia’s election as a process tested and refined “like gold through fire”. He said the challenges surrounding the election had ultimately contributed to strengthening the country’s democratic culture.
Abiy said winning and losing political parties were a natural part of democratic competition, but stressed that the country itself must remain united.
“Ethiopia has no losing children, only winners,” he said, emphasising the importance of putting national interests above political divisions.
The Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s challenges could be overcome only through collective effort and unity.
He called on Ethiopians to move forward “hand-in-hand as brothers”, saying cooperation was essential to addressing the country’s national obstacles.
Abiy also pointed to wider changes taking place globally, warning that the international environment was becoming increasingly fast-moving and unpredictable. He said remaining vigilant and preparing for the future could bring significant benefits to Ethiopia.
He stressed that determining and pursuing what is best for the country was a responsibility that belonged to the current generation.
The African Union welcomed Abiy’s re-election and offered its congratulations through AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
In a statement, Youssouf said Ethiopia’s position as the host of the African Union headquarters and the diplomatic capital of Africa gave the country a special place within the continent’s wider family.
The AU chairperson said he looked forward to continuing close cooperation with Abiy and his government.
The cooperation is expected to focus on advancing the continent’s integration as well as its peace, security and development agenda.
Abiy’s new term comes as Ethiopia continues to navigate complex political, economic and security challenges while seeking to strengthen its role in regional and continental affairs.
His inaugural remarks placed national unity, democratic development and preparedness for global changes at the centre of the government’s new term, while the AU’s message highlighted Ethiopia’s broader importance to continental diplomacy.
The two messages also underline the importance of Ethiopia’s domestic stability and its role in wider African cooperation as Abiy begins another five-year term.
