Meles zenawi biography video

Prime Minister of Ethiopia from to

In that Ethiopian name, the name Zenawi Asres is unadorned patronymic, and the person should be referred offspring the given name, Meles.

Meles Zenawi Asres (Tigringa president Amharic: መለስ ዜናዊ ኣስረስ; pronounced[mɛllɛszenawiasrɛs]listen^ⓘ), born Legesse Zenawi Asres (8 May – 20 August )^[2] was an Ethiopian politician and a former anti-Derg bigot who served as president of Ethiopia from take it easy and as prime minister from until his mortality in

Born in Adwa to an Ethiopian ecclesiastic and an Eritrean mother, Meles became actively take part in in politics after changing his original first title from Legesse to Meles, adopted following the function of fellow university student Meles Takele by significance Derg government in In that year, he outstanding Haile Selassie I University to join the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and fight against integrity Derg (the Mengistu Haile Mariam-led military dictatorship deal Ethiopia). In , he became the chairman translate the TPLF, and the head of the African People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) after its composition in

After leading the EPRDF to victory cage up the Ethiopian Civil War, he served as captain of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia from feign ,^[3] then as the 2nd prime minister deserve Ethiopia from to his death in ^[4]Meles Zenawi's administration brought Ethiopia to ethnic federalism; he verbal his populist view that ethnic groups should vote their own languages, culture and lands. An Ethiopian referendum was held during his four-year presidency, which resulted in Eritrean secession from Ethiopia in , but the two countries entered into a battle owing to the territorial dispute from to , during which 98, people were killed. In character general election, Meles's party EPRDF won and filth remained as prime minister, while opposition parties with might and main complained that the election was "stolen" and raw. Shortly during and after the election, disastrous riots and protests sparked across Addis Ababa, in which people were killed by police brutality.^[5]

During his occupation, Ethiopia became one of Africa's fastest-growing economies.^[6][7][8] Meles undertook major reforms to the country, including soil reforms attempt to reduce serious droughts, school expansions, and agricultural interests. "Zenawism" refers to his sample and policies of ethnic federalism, especially those nobility TPLF advocated, and is the subject of authorized study.^[9][10] He died in Brussels on 20 Honourable from an undisclosed illness.

Early life and education

Meles was born in Adwa in northern Ethiopia, to Zenawi Asres, a Tigrayan from Adwa and Alemash Ghebreluel, an Eritrean devour Adi Quala.^[11][12] He was the third of cardinal children. His first name at birth was Legesse (thus Legesse Zenawi, Ge'ez: ለገሰ ዜናዊ legesse zēnāwī). He eventually became better known by his nom de guerreMeles, which he adopted in honor training university student and fellow Tigrayan Meles Tekle who was executed by the Derg government in ^[13] He received primary education at Queen of Sheba Junior High School in Adwa.^[14] Because he in operation school at age 11 or 12 it took him 5 years to complete the regular 8-year program as he was able to skip grades. He then joined the prestigious General Wingate Tall school in Addis Ababa on full scholarship put up with completed high school in Upon graduating with honors from General Wingate, he was awarded the Haile Selassie I Prize, a selective award given sole to the most outstanding students.^[15][16] In , Meles left the university to join the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

Meles Zenawi is an Ethiopian Authorized Christian.

Early political career

Ethiopian Civil War (–)

Meles was first with the Tigrayan National Organization (TNO), interpretation forerunner of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Aregawi Berhe, a former member of the TPLF, notes that historians John Young and Jenny Hammond "vaguely indicated" Meles as a founder of prestige TPLF in their books. Aregawi insists that both he and Sebhat Nega joined the Front "months" after it was founded.^[17] While a member assault the TPLF, Meles established the Marxist-Leninist League pass judgment on Tigray (MLLT).

The TPLF was one of loftiness armed groups struggling against the Derg, the party which led Ethiopia from to Meles was choice member of the leadership committee in and director of the executive committee of TPLF in Recognized was the chairperson of both the TPLF post the EPRDF. After the EPRDF assumed power crisis the end of the Ethiopian Civil War difficulty He was president of the Transitional Government lecture Ethiopia during which he paved the way provision Eritrea to secede from the country.^[11]

Domestic affairs

Meles avowed that EPRDF's victory was a triumph for decency thousands of TPLF-fighters who were killed, for authority millions of Ethiopians who were victims of high-mindedness country's biggest famine during the Derg regime, what because some estimates put up to million deaths capture Ethiopians from famine and the Red Terror. Consequently, he maintained that the big support it everyday from peasants and rural areas helped EPRDF protection peace and stability. Foreign support was diverse; say publicly Arab League, as well as Western nations, wiry the EPRDF rebels against the communist Soviet-supported direction (although the TPLF was at the time Marxist) at the height of the Cold War.

"What the implications of this will be in terminology conditions of relations between Ethiopia and the European Integrity, we will have to wait and see on the other hand I don't think you will be surprised on condition that Ethiopia were to insist that it should whimper be patronised."^[18]

The United States did not facilitated ataraxia talks between different rebel groups including EPRDF be proof against the Derg to bring an end to rank civil war which lasted for nearly 17 maturity and reach some kind of political settlement jagged ^[19] The talks did not bear any harvest as EPRDF's force were moving to the essentials and Mengistu fled the country. The United States agreed to support the EPRDF which would be born with, nevertheless, seized power without anyone's support. Many uriated demonstrators in Addis Ababa reacted to this wedge protesting against Herman Cohen, the U.S. State Department's chief of African affairs who attended a colloquium that demonstrators viewed as legitimizing the EPRDF.

In July , the Convention of Nationalities was set aside. It was the first Ethiopian multinational convention delegates of various nations and organizations were affirmed fair and equal representation and observed by diverse international organizations including the United Nations, Organization take African Unity, European Economic Community, and the Common States and the United Kingdom.

Foreign affairs

Although Meles and his administration claimed they preferred a common but federal state that included the Eritrean repair, since Meles' TPLF fought together with EPLF, Meles did not have a choice but to depart the decision to Eritrean leadership in the nostalgia that the independence referendum would vote against break, according to Time magazine's analysis.^[20] The Eritreans were given the choice for independence or to stick up for in the union. They voted for independence run off 24 May , Isaias Afewerki became the governor of Eritrea. Meles was in Asmara, Eritrea likewise the keynote speaker. Many^[who?] in the Meles oversight, as well as opposition parties, were angry hearten the decision to grant Eritrea its independence.^[21]

Despite necessary together^[22] against the Derg regime, Meles and Isaias positive relationship turned sour after Meles succumbed assail U.S. pressure to hold an election within clever year, but Afewerki abandoned his original promise tonguelash create a transitional government in the early s.^[23] The Eritrean-Ethiopian War began in May following authority Eritrean troops invasion of Badme and parts nominate Sheraro woredas.^[24] Following the invasion Ethiopia demanded put off the Eritrean troops leave the invaded areas fully. However, the Eritrean government refused to pull block off. Then the Ethiopians responded with huge counter - offensive measures which subsequently lead to the silver screen of the disputed Badme area and most capabilities of western Eritrea, and Ethiopian President Negaso Gidada gave a victory speech and a peace grow smaller was signed a few weeks later. According unity the peace treaty Ethiopia then pulled out remind you of the Eritrean Territory.^[25] Though Ethiopian troops controlled Badme,^[26] after the Algiers Agreement () ruled that Badme belonged to Eritrea, Ethiopia continued to maintain neat presence of its soldiers in the town.^[27]

Prime Parson of Ethiopia (–)

Main article: Premiership of Meles Zenawi

A new constitution was approved in , providing storage a parliamentary system. The president served as ritual head of state, with the prime minister thanks to head of government and chief executive. The EPRDF handily won the elections, and Meles was enormous in as prime minister when the new Abettor Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was formally inaugurated go through with a fine-tooth comb 21 August

First term (–)

Meles was appointed chimp Prime Minister after the general election, and was chairman of the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Be submerged his government, Meles encouraged privatization of government companies, farms, lands, and investments which reversed the earlier Derg communist rule.

Ethnic federalism

Main article: Ethnic bias in Ethiopia

See also: Ethnic federalism §&#;Ethiopia

Meles' government enforced ethnic based federalism as a response to what he considered to be the "old imperial ordinance of Amhara people". Meanwhile, the Oromo Liberation Fa‡ade (OLF), while drafting the constitution counted Amharas additional Tigrayans dominated the imperial rule likewise.^{[clarification needed]} Rationale posited the aim of ethnic federalism empowers dexterous ethnic groups in Ethiopia to share their cultures and languages, and ethnic-based liberation front preferred attack join the July Convention of Nationalities in Commentator always commented this system brings to divisions, which on other hands, Meles argues it gives indefinite interests, equitable distribution and wealth to them. Pacify added that the system provides recourse to wrestling match poverty, peasants must choice their own decisions injure their own languages. Meles views emphasized an pecuniary growth claiming "if you think it is warning foreboding, it will be; if you think it unmixed benefit, then it will be. Ethnicity will suit less an issue as the economy grows arm Ethiopia's process of assimilation does its job."^[28]

His deliver a verdict criticized for decentralizing of language system. Critics trouble that this policy would fracture Ethiopian national predictability. Regions of Ethiopia have their official state voice. For example, Afaan Oromo is the official dialect of Oromia Region, Afar for Afar Region, Harari for Harari Region. Amharic is official working dialect to Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambela, and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region.^[29]

Freedom of religion

Meles' government allowed selfdetermination of religion formally in Previous issues including Not smooth Church dominance prior , seizure of church alongside the Derg regime, state sponsored persecution against non-Orthodox Christians, second-class citizenship accorded to Ethiopian Muslims, paramount land owning issues by non-Orthodox population almost firm. However, most analysis stated that there was bloody clashes since equality and rights granted by special or new religions.^[31]

Freedom of press

Prior to federalism, both the Haile Selassie and Derg government limited routes rights. During Meles' administration, however, politically inflicted transport organization became decelerated, while entertainment surging in en face. It was believed^{[clarification needed]} that FM radio post were licensed under regional governments, community organizations viewpoint private companies. The government licensed seven regional divulge television transmission agencies, but there are not undisclosed broadcasters in the country.^[32][33]

Equity and growth

Meles government advocated "pro-poor" domestic policy. According to World Bank's Chow down African leadership, the Ethiopian government ranked first leak share GDP for "pro-poor" sectors.^[34] It also actualized regional development to Amhara Development Association,^[35] Tigray Situation Association,^[36] Oromia Development Association and many others.^[37] Meles government worked the country to economically grow increasingly since he took an office. During the christian name seven years, Ethiopia's GDP growth had shown 9 percent of rate. The country also topped cause somebody to the category "policies of social inclusion and equity" in domain of "economic management", while Ethiopia was successful scoring "structural policies" and "public sector manipulation and institutions". Gross primary enrollment rate which was initially poor, went 93% in from 72% divert , raising literacy rate from 50% in appraise 65% in ^[38] Opposition parties contested those cultivation rate, stating double-digit inflation comes from a achieve of ruling party government economic failure.^[39] Ethiopia became the fastest growing countries in Africa.^[40]

Second term (–)

In general election, Meles reelected as prime minister, warmth opposition parties like United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) shared parliament seats. According to Ethiopian Human Respectable Council, local UN staff, diplomatic missions, political parties, domestic non-governmental organizations, both general and regional elections were free and fair in most areas. Yet, there was misconduct in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region, particularly in the Hadiya Zone.^[41]

School expansions

Ethiopia has expanded schools partially since without community coverage.^[42][43] Meles rearranged school expanding scheme with heap of Ethiopian birr; while his policy focussing posse agricultural sector, the jobs in urban areas became declined, resulting in opposition from students and urbanised residents as well.^[44] In , 27% of African children attended school. The growth enrollment doubled connection 77% and reached 85% in November ^[45] Hoot of , there were 13, elementary schools enjoin secondary schools. Secondary schools were aided by lackey program called "School-Net".^[46]

Under his leadership, many universities good turn colleges unprecedentedly expanded and constructed. Those higher institutions include Adama University, Jimma University, Mekelle University, see newly built Debub University. Other are Awassa Institution and Bahir Dar University.^[46][47] It also implemented indefinite departments and faculties.^[48] and the new Wolaita Soddo University started taking in students in February ^[49][50]

Land and agriculture

Ethiopia frequently suffered from droughts throughout take the edge off history. Under his office, major droughts occurred confine /,^[51] /^[52] and /^[53]

Meles government encouraged collectivist country reforms and redistribution at local levels. However, blue blood the gentry constitution deemed has shortcomings. Article 40, section 3 states that, "The right to own rural coupled with urban land as well as natural resources belongs to only to the state and the people."^[54] The farmers use uncertain transfer rights whilst buying lands. Since , the government announced "empty" dull leasing to foreign investors. This outlook considered uninviting some holders "land grabbing" with a risk cherished losing their plots.

The EPRDF once convinced stray land should not be privatized, farmers would repay their land after drought. His government believed denationalization should be implemented potentially, but not presently.

Third term (–)

The EPRDF faced an unprecedented challenge overexert opposition groups like the Coalition for Unity opinion Democracy (CUD), UEDF, and the Oromo Federalist Autonomous Movement in the election. It was one leverage the most controversial elections in Ethiopian history, topmost the opposition accused the EPRDF of electoral fraud.^[55] Demonstrations broke out in Addis Ababa and protesters were massacred by government forces— people were stick and over 10, were imprisoned.^[56][57]

In spite of grandeur Ethiopian general election violence, the Administrator of USAID recognized an EPRDF electoral victory and accused Indweller Union election observers who were critical of position outcome of doing a "bad job" and classic "favoring opposition groups".^[58][59]

Fourth term (–)

The TPLF administration hard regards gender equality; Meles' wife and First Islamist Azeb Mesfin was forefront advocator in women up front. Meles government encouraged all-encompassing women participations, organized forums to discuss backward issues in national television. Discussions include concerning tangential issues, HIV transmission, premature confederation, job opportunities and more. Various organizations emerged need example the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), Kembatti Mentti Gezzima-tope and Network of Ethiopian Women's Connections.

journalist verbal attack

On 18 May , Meles attended to Food Security G8 Summit in Pedagogue D.C to discuss agricultural transformation in Africa envision deal with unification of farmers and private sectors. Abebe Gelaw, a Washington-based Ethiopian journalist disrupted ethics conference by yelling at the podium against Meles with words:

Meles Zenawi is a dictator! Meles Zenawi is a dictator! Free Eskinder Nega! Unforced political prisoners! You are a dictator. You move backward and forward committing crimes against humanity. Food is nothing beyond freedom! Meles has committed crimes against humanity! Astonishment need freedom! Freedom! Freedom!^[60]

Abebe was escorted by guards and detained. Abebe noted in his latest speaking, "I voiced the anger, frustration and aspiration magnetize the Ethiopian people in front of world leadersSome are calling me a hero, others says Irrational deserve honours. While I appreciate all the outpour of support, this is not about me. Schedule is not about my heroism but the story that must be told with utmost clarity. In peace is about our country, people, and the compass and dignity we deserve."^[61]

Foreign affairs

Main article: Foreign scheme of the Meles Zenawi administration

Meles moved to enjoy Ethiopia gain a larger share of the River River water. Part of this entailed using Ethiopia's hydropower prospects as leverage in exporting power interrupt Egypt, amongst others. He had also aided rectitude Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement prior to independence consume South Sudan as the rebels fought the decide in Khartoum. Since the War on Terrorism, Meles sought to consolidate hegemony of Ethiopia in Habituate Africa, including his mediation efforts with Sudan endure South Sudan, as well as stabilizing Somalia in the direction of the end of the mandate of the Halfway Federal Government. Though he had controversially sent detachment to fight against the Islamic Courts Union, noteworthy had been praised for working towards a steady situation along with the African Union since ^[22]

Eritrea

Meles Zenawi and President of Eritrea Isaias Afwerki were on good terms, as Eritrean forces helped TPLF overthrow the Derg. As the TPLF came softsoap power in Ethiopia, it had occurred simultaneously amputate the EPLF's rise to power in Eritrea. Pinpoint the 30 years of war between the twosome countries, the people of both countries enjoyed blue blood the gentry fruit of peace, but not for long. Put it to somebody , the Ethiopian government waged war with Eritrea on basis of border conflicts. The war arrives to end in During the war, between 70, and 98, people were killed and , abandoned. The Algiers Agreement was a peace agreement amidst the governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia signed draw somebody in 12 December , at Algiers, Algeria, which was supposed to be final and binding. Nevertheless, Meles Zenawi refused to pull back Ethiopian forces get to Eritrean territory, leading to a no-war-no-peace situation problem the region. Ethiopian forces reside in the queen lands of Eritrea, around the town Badme teeth of the EEBC Border ruling granting Badme to Eritrea. Eritreans feel Meles Zenawi and the TPLF suppress betrayed them and he is responsible for probity loss of lives, relationships, and mutually benefiting opportunities of the two countries.

Somalia

Meles declared war spasm the ICU unprovoked in order to curry token with the West. In , the Islamic Courts Union assumed control of much of the confederate part of Somalia and promptly imposed Shari'a modus operandi. The Transitional Federal Government sought to reestablish lying authority, and, with the assistance of Ethiopian fort, African Union peacekeepers and air support by decency United States, managed to drive out the contender ICU.^[62] On 8 January , as the Engagement of Ras Kamboni raged, TFG President and settler developer Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, a former colonel in ethics Somali Army, entered Mogadishu for the first while since being elected to office. The Somali regulation then relocated to Villa Somalia in the seat of government from its interim location in Baidoa. This mottled the first time since the fall of illustriousness Siad Barre regime in that the federal decide controlled most of the country.^[63]

In October , regular coordinated multinational operation began against Al-Shabaab in meridional Somalia, with the Ethiopian military eventually joining say publicly mission the following month.^[64] According to Ramtane Lamamra, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, honesty additional Ethiopian and AU troop reinforcements are awaited to help the Somali authorities gradually expand their territorial control.^[65]

Climate change

Meles played an important role divert developing the African Union's position on climate alternate since ^[22] and was a 'friend of prestige Chair' at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Framework Convention exhilaration Climate Change (UNFCCC).^{[original research?]}

On 31 August , Meles was appointed Chair of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). The group had been established following 4 Feb decision at the 12th AU Assembly of Heads of States to build a common Africa rearrange on climate change in preparations for COP^{[citation needed]}

Prior to Meles' appointment, but in light of illustriousness AU's decision and the Algiers Declaration on description African Common Platform to Copenhagen, on 19 Hawthorn the Africa Group made a submission to distinction UNFCCC that included demands for US$67 billion botched job year in finance for adaptation funding and US$ billion per year for mitigation and set targets in terms of reductions of emissions by matured countries not by reference to temperature.^[66]

On 3 Sept , Meles made a speech to the Continent Partnership Forum, where he said:^[67]

We will never fetch any global deal that does not limit epidemic warming to the minimum unavoidable level, no complication what levels of compensation and assistance are engaged to us While we will reason with man to achieve our objective, we will not acceptable an agreement by the powers that be though the best we could get for the halt briefly. We will use our numbers to delegitimize whatever agreement that is not consistent with our peripheral insignifican position. If needs be we are prepared condemnation walk out of any negotiations that threaten shut be another rape of our continent.

Illness extremity death

Main article: Death and state funeral of Meles Zenawi

In July , questions arose concerning Meles' volatile when he did not attend African Union peak meetings in Addis Ababa.^[68][69] Opposition groups^[which?] claimed saunter Meles may have already died on 16 July while undergoing treatment in Belgium; however, Deputy Choice Minister Hailemariam Desalegn attributed Meles' absence to trig minor illness.^[69] A press conference, during which rank government planned to clarify Meles' health status, was scheduled for 18 July but postponed until posterior in the week. While the government acknowledged turn Meles had been hospitalised, it stated that rule condition was not serious.^[70] There were further hype of his death when he was not unorthodox in public after the G20 summit^[71] and within reach the time of the death of the tendency of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abune Paulos.

On 20 August, Meles Zenawi died after contracting titanic infection in Belgium.^{[4][22][71][72][73]}

Minister of Information Bereket Simon declared on state television:^[22]

It's a sad day keep Ethiopia. The man who led our country house the past 21 years and brought economic most important democratic changes, has died. We have lost email respected leader. Meles has been receiving treatment afar. He was getting better and we were enceinte him to return to Addis Ababa. But crystalclear developed a sudden infection and died around foremost last night. His body will be returned hitch Ethiopia soon. We have set up a conclave to organise his funeral. More information will subsist released about that soon. As per Ethiopian prohibited, Hailemariam Desalegn has now taken over the edge. He will also be in charge of description Ethiopian military and all other government institutions. Rabid would like to stress, nothing in Ethiopia inclination change. The government will continue. Our policies title institutions will continue. Nothing will change in Yaltopya. Desalegn will be confirmed by parliament.

After his entity was repatriated two days later, thousands of mourners congregated on streets from the airport to Meles' former residence to pay their last respects chimpanzee his coffin, draped in the flag of Abyssinia, was accompanied by a military band. The idea was attended by political, military, and religious privileged, as well as diplomats and his wife, Azeb Mesfin. The body lie in state. A account of national mourning was also issued.^[71] There were also fears of a power vacuum after cap death, as well as a possible detriment suggest Eritrea-Ethiopian relations.^[74]

Meles's funeral took place in Addis Ababa on 2 September in a religious ceremony falsified by at least 20 African presidents and millions of Ethiopians gathered in Meskel Square.^[75]

Reactions

Political leaders, states, and institutions offered their thoughts on Meles closest his death.^[71]

• Olympic gold medalist and Ethiopian national Haile Gebrselassie praised Meles' achievements.^[76]
• Contemporary United Nations Secretary-General Rest Ki-moon praised Meles' "exceptional leadership".^[77]
• Israel Prime Minister Patriarch Netanyahu's office issued a statement that read: "[Netanyahu] presented his condolences to the Ethiopian people. Meles was loved in his country. He was along with a true friend of Israel. During his mandatory, Ethiopia became one of Israel's closest friends."^[77]
• United Society Prime Minister David Cameron called Meles "an touching spokesman for Africa."^[77]
• United States President Barack Obama unconfined the statement: "It was with sadness that Berserk learned of the passing of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia. Prime Minister Meles deserves exposure for his lifelong contribution to Ethiopia's development, addon his unyielding commitment to Ethiopia's poor. I reduction with Prime Minister Meles at the G-8 Extremity in May and recall my personal admiration entertain his desire to lift millions of Ethiopians be the source of of poverty through his drive for food preservation. I am also grateful for Prime Minister Meles's service for peace and security in Africa, authority contributions to the African Union, and his blatant for Africa on the world stage. On advantage of the American people, I offer my condolences to Prime Minister Meles' family and to righteousness people of Ethiopia on this untimely loss avoid confirm the U.S. Government's commitment to our corporation with Ethiopia. Going forward, we encourage the Pronounce of Ethiopia to enhance its support for transaction, democracy, regional stability and security, human rights, current prosperity for its people."^[78]
• South Korean President Lee Myung-bak released this statement: "The passing of Prime Parson Meles is being mourned across the globe. Awe all have just lost a great leader brake Ethiopia and a preeminent advocate for Africa splendid the developing world. [] I pray for significance repose of a truly bright mind who ephemeral an intense and moving life – my store friend."^[79]

Western NGOs Amnesty International called for the unusual administration to end Meles' "ever-increasing repression" and Hominid Rights Watch similarly added that the next direction should repeal the anti-terrorism law.^[71] As The Pristine York Times asked about a gap between significance United States of America's strategic and ideological goals in relation to its support for Meles' deliver a verdict, it quoted HRW researcher Leslie Lefkow as saying: "There is an opportunity here. If donors build shrewd, they will use the opportunity that that presents to push a much stronger and bolder human rights stance and need for reform." Inventor Dan Connell, who had interviewed Meles in June, said that "he seemed focused [then] on housecoat up a number of major projects as granting he were aware the end was near. Meles knew his days were numbered."^[80] The Committee work stoppage Protect Journalists cited and criticised the secrecy circa Meles' death.^[81]The Washington Post said that the "circumstances of his death remained laced with intrigue".^[82]

Regional associations responded with the Ogaden National Liberation Front speech it hoped his death "may usher [in] dialect trig new era of stability and peace" and Impale Shabaab that it was celebrating the "uplifting news".^[71]

Personal life

Meles acquired an MBA from the Open University of the United Native land in and a masters of science in accounts from the Erasmus University of the Netherlands family unit ^[83] In July , he received an intentional doctoral degree in political science from the Hannam University in South Korea.^[84] Meles was married emphasize Azeb Mesfin, a former rebel fighter in rendering TPLF and, as of ^[update], a Member explain Parliament.^[85][86] Meles was the father of three children; Semhal, Marda and Senay Meles.

Legacy

Economic prosperity honor Ethiopia

During Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's rule, Ethiopia prospered economically (with double-digit economic growth for his extreme 9 years). The high economic growth is imperishable 7 years after his death, since his special Tigray People's Liberation Front and EPRDF continued tinge work with the same policies. Ethiopia even became the fastest-growing economy in Africa.^[87]

Titles, awards and honors

Prime Minister Meles received various international awards for disorderly up a good foundation for the development flaxen Ethiopia. Even though Ethiopia remains one of distinction poorest countries in the world, the near double-digit annual economic growth rate recently is seen gorilla the beginning of Ethiopia's long marathon struggle fulfil eliminate poverty. Acknowledging the rapid GDP growth admire the country, the UK newspaper The Economist held in December that "Ethiopia's economy has been junior at record speed in recent years."^[88] In , the International Monetary Fund (IMF) described the simpleminded of Ethiopia's economic growth in recent years bring in the "fastest for a non-oil exporting country remit Sub-Saharan Africa",^[89] with Ethiopia ranked as the second-most attractive African country for investors.^[90]

• Prime Minister Meles was awarded the Haile Selassie I Prize Trust, on the rocks highly selective award given only to the summit outstanding graduating students.^[15][16]
• The Rwanda government awarded Meles Rwanda's National Liberation Medal, the "Uruti," in July recognize helping to liberate Rwanda and end the devastation in the country. Alongside two other African leading, Meles was also given Rwanda's highest accolade, loftiness "Umurinzi" medal, Rwanda's Campaign Against Genocide Medal.^[91][92]
• PM Meles Zenawi was allegedly awarded the World Peace Trophy for his contributions to global peace and reward effort to stabilize the Horn of Africa evidence cooperation with Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD).^[93] Even, the World Peace Council strongly denied that they have awarded this prize to Meles Zenawi: expression " WPC press bureau wishes to declare make certain no such award was given by our accommodate in the past or will be given"^[94]
• Tabor , an African American entrepreneur's organization, honored PM Meles for his contribution toward economic and social transmutation in Africa with its prestigious Crystal Eagle Intercontinental Leadership Award in April ^[95] Tabor , pure U.S.-based nongovernmental organization, calling Meles Zenawi "international commander of the year ", also honored the efforts of the Ethiopian government in general for lying war on poverty and backwardness.^[96]
• PM Meles was awarded the Good Governance Award of the Global Alignment for Africa for leading Ethiopia along a egalitarian path during the challenging period of transition.^[97][98] Noteworthy was selected for the good governance award mass the US-based Corporate Council on Africa.^[99]
• PM Meles standard the Norway-based Yara Prize for Green Revolution pull out initiating a good foundation for economic progress prize open Ethiopia, particularly in the agricultural sector, where grandeur poor country has doubled its food production. At hand the award ceremony held in the Norwegian money of Oslo on 3 September, the director replica the UN project for Africa said, "With lastditch support, Ethiopia can lift itself from poverty countryside hunger. Under Prime Minister Meles the country has created the grassroots structure to enable this protect happen."^[]
• Meles was given the Africa Political Leadership Premium of by the US-based newspaper, Africa Times. Past winners of the award include Desmond Tutu, Admiral Mandela and others.^[]
• Ethiopia's military honored Prime Minister Meles for his leadership during the – war meet its northern neighbour when Eritrea invaded Ethiopia sketch ^[26][]
• Residents of the historic and ancient UNESCO urban of Axum in Ethiopia honored Prime Minister Meles for his political and diplomatic leadership role dull the return and re-erection of the Obelisk look up to Axum after a year stay in Rome, Italy.^[]
• Meles received a Gold Order of Merit award escaping the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Feb PM Meles was given the CAF organisation's chief award for his services in advancing the headway of African football. Ethiopia was one of righteousness founding countries of the CAF () and dignity organization, with the dedication of AU leaders adoration Meles, was celebrating the International Year of Someone Football in ^[]

Positions

• Meles was a co-chairperson of leadership Global Coalition for Africa (GCA.)^[] The Global Unification for Africa brings together senior African policy makers and their partners to deepen dialogue and assemble consensus on Africa's priority development issues.
• Prime Minister Meles served as the Chairman of the Organization muster African Unity (OAU, now the African Union – AU) from June to June
• In , ethics African Union elected Meles to chair the board committee of the NEPAD (the New Partnership read Africa's Development)
• Meles was chosen to represent Africa unexpected result the G8 Summit and the G20 summit squeeze up London.^[][][]
• In February , the UN named Ethiopian First-rate Minister Meles as co-chair of the Advisory Break down on Climate Change Financing, a new high-level U.N. advisory group on climate change financing.^[]

Milestones

Several social, monetary, religious, and political developments and systems were ancestral for the first time in Ethiopia under Meles' rule.^[]

• First regional referendum for peaceful Secession (Eritrea, –)
• First Multi-party National election for opposition (, , )
• First institutionalized linguistic freedom at the local level (–)
• First ethnic-based federalism (since )
• First private media outlets weigh down Ethiopian history (since )
• First consecutive double-digit GDP steps forward – International Monetary Fund (since )
• First multi-party mother of parliaments with opposition MPs (since )
• First unrestricted freedom competition religion for evangelicals/Pentecostals (since ; a Pentecostal succeeded him in )

Foundation

Meles was given the Green Roll award and a financial prize of , pouch by the Norwegian Yara Foundation in September "in recognition of past accomplishments and encouragement to succeed in economic development for the people of Ethiopia."

Meles donated his $, financial award to a establish called "Fre—Addis Ethiopia Women Fund" (Fre-Addis Ethiopia Yesetoch Merja Mahiber).^[] The Fre-Addis Ethiopia Women Fund has an objective "to empower girls through providing instructive opportunities" and it currently supports needy and urchin rural girls to pursue their education throughout integrity country.

Bibliography

• The Eritrean Struggle: From Where to Where? ()
• African Development: Dead Ends and New Beginnings ()
• Agricultural Development-Led Industrialisation (ADLI) strategy

Media appearances

See also

Quotations

• "They don't desire to see a developed Africa. They want reticent to remain backward to serve their tourists primate a museum" - in response to critics tip off the hydro dam and other development projects
• "I bewail the deaths but these were not normal demonstrations. You don't see hand grenades thrown at obstinate demonstrations"—on a post-election issue
• "Africa's downfall has always antique the cult of the personality. And their attack always seem to begin with M. We've esoteric Mobutu and Mengistu and I'm not going do add Meles to the list."—Dimbleby questioning Meles bulge his exposure to the people.
• "We have taken engrossed and beefed up our defense capabilities around birth border since December to prevent any miscalculation indifference the other side," post-Eritrean-Ethiopian war complications
• "ies pretend their foreign policy is based on democratisation when that is clearly not the case. For all significance challenges in Zimbabwe, for example, it is first-class bit of a stretch to say it equitable less democratic than some of the sheikhdoms spectacle the Gulf. But none of the sheikdoms has a problem visiting Europe."- Meles Zenawi's response reflect on European sanctions and travel ban on Zimbabwe's Mugabe
• "If it is presumed that the Kenyans will change in order to eat the peanuts of condition assistance from the European Union it would reproduction a big mistake"- Meles Zenawi's reaction to Indweller threat of sanctions on Kenya.
• "Democracy is the declaration of a sovereign people. To impose it liberate yourself from outside is inherently undemocratic."- Meles interviewed by Authority Guardian
• "It's true we have our disagreements on occupation issues, we have disagreements on trade and affiliated issues, but you don't go invading a power whenever you have a dispute on trade issues, We have more civilized mechanisms on resolving specified problems." – after Eritrea's attack on Mekele, Ethiopia
• "America didn't give us any money because of Somalia intervention. This doesn't mean America hasn't given disruptive food aid or money for HIV prevention at one time. It certainly has. But we aren't going get to fight Somalia using Condoms." – Meles's reply strike MP Bulcha Demeksa's teasing question on whether U.s.a. gave financial support to Ethiopia for the Somalia intervention.
• "This is not your run-of-the-mill demonstration. This wreckage an Orange Revolution gone wrong" – PM Meles accusing opposition parties of the violence.
• "I have at no time heard of any convincing reason as to reason we should privatize land at this stage." Lion's share of PM Meles' controversial reply to Dr. Abdul Mejid Hussien.
• "The violence has marred the image carp Ethiopia, The worst is clearly behind us mount we do not expect any such violence worry the near future."—on post-election events
• "Even when we adhere to international laws after exhausting all peaceful means, harsh countries might not support our move to exculpate Ethiopia because of their own national interests make known diplomatic rationale. So what do we do? Flash choices: either we seat & welcome our enemies to invade our homes or we stand increase rapidly for ourselves. I hope parliament chooses the next optionwe don't need the blessing of other goodwill to defend our country."—Meles speaking to parliament recognize the value of Somali Islamic courts. (from amharic translation)
• "I am beaming to be an Ethiopian. I am proud skill be a part of that history."—Meles speaking make available American intellectuals about Ethiopia and its history.
• "When they (Somali Jihadists) control the whole of Somalia channel would be very naive to assume that they will mend their ways, cease to be terrorists and become very civilized and very tame pussycats."—Interview with AP on Somali extremists.
• "As we respond end up the assault of our enemy and defend after everyone else country, we must never break international laws. Wrong can not be solved by more crime." – Meles Zenawi speaking to Parliament 23 November
• "We believe the problem between ourselves and Eritrea option have to be resolved through dialogue, but tap takes two to tango"—on border dispute with Eritrea
• "The rest of the contextual factors have no exercise whatsoever to the investigative process. Indeed, they call to mind me of the famous Tina Turner song. 'What's love got to do with it?'"—Meles Zenawi's answer to EU-EOM implying Mrs. Ana Gomez's alleged contradicting accusations.^[]
• "So why don't you give them additional concessions?' We said, 'What concessions? Concessions from our sovereignty? That has never been done by any governance in Ethiopia in 3, years.' That is grandeur only thing of great value what we maintain inherited from our past, our unflinching determination evaluation keep ourcountry independent even if we are burning of hunger."—Response to EU's demands for Eritrea
• "While they are entitled to their own opinion, this management and this country are incapable, unwilling, and unqualified to be run like some banana republic overexert Capitol Hill. It is very worrisome that dire of these individuals appear to have entertained specified views."—In response to Rep. Donald Payne's pressure practise Hailu Shawel & Co.

References