Mulatu Teshome

The presidency of Ethiopia between 2013 and 2018 was held by Mulatu Teshome, an official whose background spans academic training in international politics and extensive diplomatic postings. Born in 1957 in the town of Arjo, his career unfolded through a series of ministerial appointments and international representative roles that defined his contribution to the Ethiopian state.

Academic Background

Formal education took place primarily in China, where he attended Peking University. He earned a bachelor's degree in the philosophy of political economy, followed by a doctorate in international politics. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. These credentials preceded his tenure as a teacher at various foreign universities and institutions.

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Diplomatic and Ministerial Service

His entry into government service involved a tenure as Ambassador to Japan between 1992 and 1994. Throughout his career, he represented Ethiopia as an ambassador in China, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Domestically, he served as the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Cooperation during the mid-1990s and took the role of Minister of Agriculture in 2001.

Legislative and Presidential Roles

Before his ascension to the presidency, he held a seat in the House of Federation, serving as its Speaker from 2002 until 2005. On 7 October 2013, the Ethiopian parliament unanimously elected him as President of Ethiopia. This tenure lasted five years, ending in 2018. His political history includes affiliations with the Oromo Democratic Party and the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front.