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Ethiopia Looks to a Future Without Meles Zenawi

Life is returning to normal in Ethiopia's capital after more than two weeks of mourning for longtime ruler, Meles Zenawi.

Abi Hailemichael works in a barbershop in the Bole neighborhood of Addis Ababa. Like many Ethiopians, he says Meles' work for the country must not be forgotten. “While we reflect on the diligent¹ and tireless work he did for the nation, we have a responsibility to carry out his good plans," he said.

Meles sparked rapid economic development during more than 20 years in power. 

Many wonder what will become of the country now that he's gone. 

Meles' deputy Hailemariam Desalegn is due to replace the prime minister, but has yet to take the oath of office.

Foreign Ministry² Spokesman Dina Mufti says Hailemariam is officially in control. “The council has already decided³ that the deputy prime minister will take charge immediately because this is provided in the constitution. In the absence of the prime minister, he is the acting⁴ prime minister. He is now in charge of all national affairs," he said. 

The question is whether Hailemariam can garner⁵ the kind of broad support that made Mr. Meles an icon⁶. 

Hailemariam is not Tigray, another challenge he faces. That ethnic⁷ group controls most of the country's institutions, including the military.

Rumors⁸ in the capital say the ruling party is considering sidelining him. Dina Mufti says this is not true. “So-called internal squabbles or rivalries⁹ within the party, no. This is a non-starter, there is not. This is a very solid party," he said. 

Meles' had little tolerance¹⁰ for the opposition¹¹. His government frequently jailed journalists and activists¹² who voiced dissent¹³.

Medhane Tadesse, an independent anayst, said Ethiopia's leaders are unlikely to change that anytime soon. “In the long-term, gradually, yes. In the short-term, no, because the government might behave more like the same, if not very repressive, because of the lack of confidence. They do not know the waters they are entering now," he said. 

Meles Zenawi had a definite vision for Ethiopia's future. Always seeing the big picture, he was known to plan the country's development years in advance. So even after his death, the policies he put in motion are expected to continue to transform the country, for better or for worse.