Meles Zenawi

Meles Zenawi Asres (8 May 1955 – 20 August 2012) was an Ethiopian politician who served as the second President of Ethiopia and Chairman of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) from 1995 to 2012. He was also the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 1995 to his death in 2012.

Early Life and Education

Meles Zenawi was born on 8 May 1955 in Adwa, Tigray, Ethiopia. He was the son of Asres Zenawi and Alemash Tefera. He attended secondary school at Debre Berhan School and then went on to study medicine at Addis Ababa University. However, he was expelled from the university in 1975 for his involvement in student protests against the military government of Mengistu Haile Mariam.

Political Career

After his expulsion from university, Meles Zenawi joined the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a rebel group fighting against the Mengistu government. He quickly rose through the ranks of the TPLF and became its leader in 1983.

In 1987, the TPLF joined forces with other rebel groups to form the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The EPRDF launched a major offensive against the Mengistu government in 1991 and was able to capture Addis Ababa in May of that year.

After the fall of the Mengistu government, Meles Zenawi became the President of Ethiopia. He was also the Chairman of the EPRDF, which became the ruling party of Ethiopia.

As President, Meles Zenawi oversaw a period of economic growth and development in Ethiopia. He also implemented a number of reforms, including the introduction of a new constitution in 1994.

Meles Zenawi was re-elected as President in 1995 and 2000. In 2005, he was elected as Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He was re-elected as Prime Minister in 2010.

Death

Meles Zenawi died on 20 August 2012 at the age of 57. He had been suffering from an undisclosed illness for several months.

Legacy

Meles Zenawi is considered to be one of the most important leaders in Ethiopian history. He is credited with bringing peace and stability to the country after years of civil war. He also oversaw a period of economic growth and development.

However, Meles Zenawi's legacy is also controversial. He has been accused of human rights abuses and of suppressing dissent. He is also criticized for his close ties to the United States and other Western powers.

Despite these criticisms, Meles Zenawi remains a popular figure in Ethiopia. He is seen as a strong leader who helped to modernize the country and bring it into the 21st century.