List of Presidents of Ethiopia: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Ethiopia from 1987 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Ethiopia, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Ethiopia: Taye Atske Selassie (in office since 2024).

Presidents of Ethiopia in order, with years in office

Mengistu Haile Mariam

Served: 1987–1991

Led the Derg and became the first president of the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in 1987; resigned on 21 May 1991.

Tesfaye Gebre Kidan

Served: 1991 (acting)

Served as acting president for six days in May 1991 before the government fell.

Meles Zenawi

Served: 1991–1995

Interim president of the Transitional Government; later served as prime minister until his death in 2012.

Negasso Gidada

Served: 1995–2001

First president of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; his term ended after he was expelled from the ruling party in 2001.

Girma Wolde-Giorgis

Served: 2001–2013

Served two terms, a little under 12 years in total.

Mulatu Teshome

Served: 2013–2018

Succeeded Girma Wolde-Giorgis in October 2013.

Sahle-Work Zewde

Served: 2018–2024

First woman to serve as president of Ethiopia.

Taye Atske Selassie

Served: 2024–present

Elected by the Federal Parliamentary Assembly on 7 October 2024.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Ethiopia

Who is the current president of Ethiopia?

The current head of state of Ethiopia is Taye Atske Selassie, in office since 2024.

Who were the previous presidents of Ethiopia?

The presidents and heads of state of Ethiopia listed on this page, in order, are: Mengistu Haile Mariam, Tesfaye Gebre Kidan, Meles Zenawi, Negasso Gidada, Girma Wolde-Giorgis, Mulatu Teshome, Sahle-Work Zewde, Taye Atske Selassie.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Ethiopia and President of Ethiopia; Wikidata-based lists (checked Nov 2026). Chairmen of the Derg military council (1974–1987) are not listed.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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