Oct 26, 2012, Guardian African Network)--It is has been a little more than two months since the death of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.
Since then, the country that he ruled over for 21 years has effected a
remarkably smooth transition. His deputy, Hailemariam Desalegn, has
taken over as both party leader and prime minister.
There have been no major reshuffles. Policy changes, where they have happened, have been encouraging. Any threats to Desalegn's succession were muted and, evidently, unsuccessful. Even the country's restive Muslim population has been quiet, waiting to see what the new leadership is all about before pressing on with their campaign for a greater say in the country's (and their own) affairs.
There is one problem, however. It's minor in the grand scheme of things, perhaps, but raises a few nagging questions that Meles' successor could do without. It's also rather tricky to handle, even with the best of intentions. Journalist Argaw Ashine explained the sensitive situation for Daily Nation: "The powerful widow of former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is reportedly stalling on vacating Ethiopia's national palace for the country's new leader and his family.
According to government sources, Mrs Azeb Mesfin has ignored instructions to move to a new residence that would also be accorded full security detail. The government has given Mrs Azeb and her children the option of three residential villas in Addis Ababa but she is said to have refused to even visit any out of her own security concerns." Read more from Guardian African Network »
There have been no major reshuffles. Policy changes, where they have happened, have been encouraging. Any threats to Desalegn's succession were muted and, evidently, unsuccessful. Even the country's restive Muslim population has been quiet, waiting to see what the new leadership is all about before pressing on with their campaign for a greater say in the country's (and their own) affairs.
There is one problem, however. It's minor in the grand scheme of things, perhaps, but raises a few nagging questions that Meles' successor could do without. It's also rather tricky to handle, even with the best of intentions. Journalist Argaw Ashine explained the sensitive situation for Daily Nation: "The powerful widow of former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is reportedly stalling on vacating Ethiopia's national palace for the country's new leader and his family.
According to government sources, Mrs Azeb Mesfin has ignored instructions to move to a new residence that would also be accorded full security detail. The government has given Mrs Azeb and her children the option of three residential villas in Addis Ababa but she is said to have refused to even visit any out of her own security concerns." Read more from Guardian African Network »
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