ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been sworn in for a second term, formally beginning another five-year mandate as he called for national unity and urged Ethiopians to put the interests of the country first.
Abiy took the oath of office on October 5, 2026, during the first regular inaugural session of the seventh House of Peoples’ Representatives in its first year of tenure.
In his inaugural remarks, Abiy described Ethiopia’s election as an experience tested and refined like gold through fire, saying the process had strengthened the country’s democratic culture despite the challenges encountered.
He said competition between political parties naturally produces winners and losers but stressed that the outcome should not divide the country.
“While winning and losing political parties are natural in a democratic contest, Ethiopia has no losing children, only winners,” Abiy said.
Abiy Calls For National Unity
The prime minister called on Ethiopians to work together to address the country’s challenges, saying national obstacles could only be overcome through unity.
“We can overcome our national obstacles only when we move forward hand-in-hand as brothers,” he said.
Abiy urged citizens to approach the new phase of his administration with a shared sense of responsibility, while warning that the global environment was becoming increasingly fast-moving and unpredictable.
He said remaining vigilant and preparing for the future could bring significant benefits, emphasising that the current generation has a responsibility to make decisions in the national interest.
“Therefore, choosing and pursuing what is best for the nation remains the solemn duty of this generation,” Abiy said.
His remarks came as the Medemer Government was formally established following his return to office for another five-year term.
African Union Congratulates Abiy
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf congratulated Abiy on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for a further five-year term.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 5, Youssouf said Ethiopia holds a special place within the continental family as the host of the African Union headquarters and the diplomatic capital of Africa.
He said he looked forward to continued close cooperation with Abiy and his government in advancing Africa’s integration, peace, security and development agenda.
The AU message followed Abiy’s formal swearing-in during the parliamentary session.
Ramaphosa Welcomes New Ethiopian Government
The swearing-in ceremony came a day after Abiy received South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited Ethiopia as the country marked the formation of the Medemer Government.
In a post on October 4, Abiy said he welcomed “my brother, President Cyril Ramaphosa, to Ethiopia” and appreciated his congratulations.
Abiy described relations between Ethiopia and South Africa as being rooted in strong and historic ties and a shared commitment to African solidarity, peace and development.
He said Ethiopia looked forward to deepening the partnership and strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Abiy’s swearing-in formally begins his second five-year term, with his inaugural remarks placing national unity, democratic development and responsibility to future generations among the central themes of his new mandate.
