Ethiopia installs new PM amid hopes he can stop protests

Ethiopia's legislature has elected young and outspoken Abiy Amhed as prime minister, amid hopes that he will be able to quell sustained anti-government protests in Africa's second most populous nation.

Abiy was immediately sworn in to office today, succeeding Hailemariam Desalegn who resigned in mid-February as a result of widespread anti-government protests that have taken the lives of several hundred people mainly in the restive Oromia and Amhara regions.

"This is a historic moment," said Abiy in his inaugural address to Ethiopian lawmakers.

"This is high time for us to learn from our past mistakes and make up for all the wrongs done in the past. We understand there are a lots of problems that need to be solved with great urgency."
"But still it goes without saying that a change in personalities within the leadership may bring changes in terms of bringing better ideas that may ultimately lead to national reconciliation."
"The new leader's election has answered many Ethiopians' questions," Haile told The Associated Press, saying that Abiy should implement his pledges without delay. "His inaugural address today has the ability to bring together not only Ethiopians, but countries in the region as well."