ADDIS ABABA, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Abiy Ahmed, who was unanimously endorsed by the Ethiopian House People's Representatives as Ethiopia's Prime Minister on Monday, vowed to ensure unity and equality among Ethiopians in socioeconomic and political scenarios.
Ahmed, Chairman of the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), said in his first speech as premier before the Ethiopian parliament's lower house that "now is the moment to look back and make amends with the past, assess our current stance, and look to the future."
Describing Ethiopia's current situation as both an opportunity and a threat, Ahmed stressed that "we are in the midst of uncertain times. Although there have been achievements, there are also formidable challenges."
"We need to address existing inequalities that led to recent unrests," Ahmed said. "We will continue to respect the rights of citizens, the right to question, criticize and hold its public servants to accountability."
Ahmed's premiership of the Eats African country came after recurrent unrests and mass anti-government demonstrations in parts of the country, particularly in Ethiopia's largest Oromia regional state where Ahmed has a strong support.
Ahmed also gave due emphasis to youth and women empowerment and the fight against corruption as his administrations major targets together with broader investments in education, agriculture and health sectors.
The Ethiopian House People's Representatives is entirely controlled by the ruling EPRDF and its affiliate parties, which holds all the active 547 seats.
Ahmed, also chairman of Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO), which rules over Oromia, replaced former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
Desalegn resigned following incessant unrest and violent demonstration that rocked the country since the second half of 2016.