Former finance minister rises to one of Ethiopia's most senior federal positions as the country enters a new political term amid escalating conflict ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — October 5, 2026 — Ahmed Shide has made history after being elected Speaker of Ethiopia's House of Peoples' Representatives, becoming the first ethnic Somali to lead the powerful lower chamber of the country's federal parliament. His election marks a significant milestone for Ethiopia's Somali community and places one of the country's most prominent Somali politicians at the centre of federal political power during a particularly turbulent period in Ethiopia's history. Shide was elected as parliament opened its new term on Monday, the same day Abiy Ahmed was appointed for another term as Prime Minister.

As Speaker, Shide will preside over the House of Peoples’ Representatives, the chamber responsible for federal legislation, government oversight and major national decisions.

From Ethiopia’s Somali Region to Federal Leadership

Ahmed Shide’s political rise has taken him from Ethiopia’s Somali Region to some of the most influential positions in the federal government.

He has served in senior government positions and became particularly prominent as Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, where he was closely involved in the country’s economic reforms, international financial negotiations and relations with major development partners.

His latest appointment moves him from the executive branch to the leadership of the federal legislature.

For Ethiopian Somalis, the symbolism is considerable.

The Somali population has historically been concentrated in eastern Ethiopia and has experienced a complicated relationship with successive central governments. Shide’s elevation to the speakership therefore represents another important chapter in the community’s participation at the highest levels of Ethiopia’s federal institutions.

An Important Historical Distinction

Ahmed Shide is not the first ethnic Somali to preside over either chamber of Ethiopia’s federal parliament.

In 2020, Aden Farah Ibrahim, also an ethnic Somali, became Speaker of the House of Federation, Ethiopia’s upper chamber.

Shide’s achievement is different: he is the first ethnic Somali to become Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Ethiopia’s lower and principal federal legislative chamber.

That distinction makes Monday’s appointment historically significant while preserving the record of previous Somali representation within Ethiopia’s federal leadership.

Taking Office as Ethiopia Faces War

Shide assumes the speakership at an exceptionally difficult moment.

Ethiopia is entering its new political term while serious armed confrontations are unfolding across parts of the north, particularly involving Tigray, Amhara and Afar.

The renewed violence has revived concerns over the stability of the political arrangements that followed the devastating 2020–2022 Tigray war.

At the same time, relations between Ethiopia and neighbouring countries have become increasingly strained, adding a regional dimension to the country's internal security crisis.

The new parliament may therefore be required to confront questions extending far beyond ordinary legislation: national security, federal-regional relations, economic pressures, displacement, humanitarian access and the possibility of renewed large-scale warfare.

A New Chapter for Ethiopian Somalis

Ahmed Shide’s rise also illustrates the changing position of Somali politicians within Ethiopia’s federal political structure.

For decades, relations between Ethiopia’s central authorities and its predominantly Somali eastern territories were shaped by rebellion, military confrontation and disputes over political representation.

Today, an Ethiopian Somali politician will sit in the Speaker’s chair of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and preside over lawmakers representing the federation’s diverse regions and peoples.

The political significance of that moment extends beyond one individual.

Ahmed Shide’s election represents a historic first for Ethiopian Somalis: for the first time, an ethnic Somali will lead Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives.

He takes that position, however, at a time when the institution he now leads faces an enormous challenge—helping govern a deeply diverse federation while Ethiopia once again confronts war, political division and mounting regional instability.