Meles Zenavi

Meles Zenavi

Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
Date of Birth: 08.05.1955
Country: Ethiopia

Content:
  1. Meles Zenawi: Prime Minister of Ethiopia
  2. Joining the Tigray People's Liberation Front
  3. Rise to Leadership
  4. Economic Reforms and the 1994 Constitution
  5. Independence of Eritrea and Conflict
  6. Internal and External Relations
  7. 2005 Parliamentary Elections and Aftermath
  8. Intervention in Somalia
  9. Personal Life

Meles Zenawi: Prime Minister of Ethiopia

Meles Zenawi served as Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 1995 until his passing in 2012. Born on May 8, 1955 (or 1954 or 1956, according to various sources) in Adwa, Tigre Region, he completed secondary school in Addis Ababa in 1972 and enrolled in medical school at Addis Ababa University.

Joining the Tigray People's Liberation Front

In 1974, Zenawi left his studies to join the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), an armed resistance group opposed to the Ethiopian military government (Derg) led by Mengistu Haile Mariam. Supportive of communism, Zenawi handled information and propaganda within the TPLF.

Rise to Leadership

From 1989, Zenawi held the positions of chairman of the TPLF and, subsequently, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), a coalition of revolutionary forces. In May 1991, after Mengistu's overthrow, Zenawi became Chairman of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia.

Economic Reforms and the 1994 Constitution

Zenawi abandoned the TPLF's communist ideology in favor of economic liberalization, which he announced in 1990. He played a key role in drafting the 1994 constitution, which established Ethiopia's federal structure. On August 22, 1995, Zenawi was elected Prime Minister, effectively becoming the head of state.

Independence of Eritrea and Conflict

In 1993, Eritrea gained independence, depriving Ethiopia of its coastline. However, Zenawi's government initially avoided conflict with Eritrea's regime, led by Isaias Afewerki, a former comrade-in-arms. Tensions escalated into an all-out war from 1998 to 2000.

Internal and External Relations

Following the Ethio-Eritrean conflict, Zenawi faced internal dissent but managed to maintain his power. He forged close ties with Western nations, particularly after the launch of the "war on terror" by the United States in 2001. In 2004, Zenawi joined British Prime Minister Tony Blair's Commission for Africa.

2005 Parliamentary Elections and Aftermath

In 2005, Zenawi's supporters won the parliamentary elections, securing him a fifth term in office. Opposition protests in Addis Ababa were met with force, resulting in 42 deaths. Zenawi dismissed the unrest as a failed "Orange Revolution" attempt.

Intervention in Somalia

In 2006-2007, Ethiopia intervened in Somalia's conflict between the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, led by President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, and the Somali Council of Islamic Courts (SICC). Ethiopian forces helped defeat the Islamists, who were expelled from Mogadishu and most other territories. The United States also intervened, attacking SICC fighters from the air.

Personal Life

Meles Zenawi was married with four children.

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