The Ethiopian Parliament unanimously elected Girma Wolde-Giorgis to the presidency on 8 October 2001, selecting a candidate who served in that largely symbolic role for two consecutive six-year terms. His political tenure concluded in 2013, marking a long career that transitioned from military service and aviation management to legislative leadership and national diplomacy.
Military and Aviation Career
Born in Addis Ababa on 28 December 1924, he began his professional path in 1941 by enlisting in the Ethiopian Military Radio Communication unit. Following his 1944 graduation from the Holetta Military Academy as a sub-lieutenant, he entered the Air Force in 1946. He subsequently gained international technical qualifications through training in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada. By 1957, he was appointed director general of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and served on the board of Ethiopian Airlines.
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His legislative experience commenced in 1961 as a member of the Chamber of Deputies, where he was elected speaker for three consecutive years. During this period, he represented the Ethiopian Parliament at the International Parliamentary Union in Switzerland, Denmark, and Yugoslavia. Later, in 1977, he served as deputy commissioner for the Derg government's peace programme, aimed at resolving the conflict in Eritrea. In 2000, he returned to national politics as an independent member of the House of Peoples' Representatives for the Becho woreda constituency.
Humanitarian and Diplomatic Initiatives
Beyond government roles, he maintained extensive involvement in humanitarian organizations, including the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and the Leprosy Control Organization. He also established the environmental group Lem Ethiopia in 1992. Following his retirement from the presidency, he remained active in public discourse, specifically advocating for the normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea on Ethiopian television in early 2014.
Fast facts
- Born: 28 December 1924, Addis Ababa
- Died: 15 December 2018, Addis Ababa
- President of Ethiopia: 2001-2013
- Languages spoken: Amharic, Oromo, English
- Military service: Ethiopian Air Force
- Religion: Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
- Official biography: Under the Shade of a Gaashe
- Burial site: Holy Trinity Cathedral
Questions readers ask
What powers did he hold as president?
The Ethiopian presidency is largely a symbolic office, with the majority of executive power held by the prime minister.
How many terms did he serve?
He served two six-year terms, having been elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2007.
Achievements
- President of Ethiopia (2001–2013)
- Member of the House of People's Representatives of Ethiopia
