To the credit of the Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi

From Zagwe

Nov 11,2006

Let it be made clear from the outset that the writer has never been a supporter of the prime minister he rather sharply criticised some of his policies particularly when it comes to Ethiopia-Eritrea issue. No doubt the prime minister, as every one else, has his own limitations that, should be criticised properly but he has also his unique qualities that should be appreciated and recognized- After all he has the power to decide on the fate and destiny of 70 million strong Ethiopians. All his acts and deeds will surely bear a strong impact on Ethiopian present and future history.

In my opinion the prime minister has exhibited excellent maturity in his leadership style from time to time and has shown to the world some unique abilities. He could have been praised for that in the media. Obviously, there should not be a lack of opportunist individuals who could encourage the prevalence such praise but he seems that he has never contemplated self-aggrandisement common in Ethiopian leadership style in the past.

If one attempts to search a reason for that strong but humble and intelligence personality in the Prime minister, one may discover some general explanations from his background. As a guerrilla leader and agitator for more than a decade, it might have been very much possible that he had drawn a number of lesson from one the most difficult and trying period in his history and had also the opportunity to be nurtured by the unique and rich wisdom of traditional Ethiopian communities.

Domestic policy

He may be criticised by some circles as exhibiting heavy handedness in handling domestic oppositions to his rule. By the way to lead a huge and poor multiethnic and multi religious country like Ethiopia is not an easy task. As every one can realise different ethnic and religious groups sharply competes for recognition and in some cases for their independent. Again the geographical location at which Ethiopia finds herself is characterised by conflict and war for a long time.

When it comes to domestic issues however one of his greatest achievements seems to be his strong belief in teamwork and his role as a leading strong team player. He seems to have realized from day one that the importance of a competent team is essential in the business of any government. In his years in power, for example he has seldom changed the individual minister portfolio, in most cases once a minister has remained a minister so far. This is great wisdom and achievement; it indicates the prevalence of stability and continuity in the government. During the Junta era for example, how many ministers were moved from one or the other ministerial position? The removal and mix-up was so inevitable that it was simply a matter of few years if not months for one minister to remain seated in one ministerial position.

Still for his credit he was one of those talented individuals who gave priority to education and create the opportunity for all his comrades alike to pursue higher education. It is evidenced that the prime minister was one of the first participants and beneficial of this singular and innovative approach.

In addition, the prime minister was wise and cool minded in treating if not all most of his political rivals particularly those who strongly challenged his leadership within his own party. He treated them softly so to say. Going back to his guerrilla days his mother organization the TPLF has a credit for not eliminating leading rivals within the party it was common experience that rivals within the party were simply given the chance to travel to the destination of their choice. They could have faced imprisonment and even been killed by the “most effective” method of eliminating political rivals. In addition, some people who presented a challenge were similarly treated peacefully and legally so to speak. Again the leaders of the OLF were given passport and visa to exile knowing very well that they intended to continue their struggle against the present regime abroad.

Foreign policy

It is clear that in his initial career as a Prime minister he had no solid experience in the area of international politics- He was but a humble sophomore university student- however he was quick to cop up with the very complicated international politics and play by the rule of the game.

The Ethiopian prime minister was always peaceful and anti war in his dealing with his sworn enemies, one can take Isaeas of Eritrea as an example, how he repeatedly provoked Ethiopia- for that matter the international community. He has challenged him at every level by organizing and arming the so-called oppositions, to every ones surprise including Isaeas perhaps, the prime minister has always been very patient and coolheaded.

His handling of the boarder issue was equally subtle and realistic he has played his cards wisely to the surprise of all enemies and friends alike. When it comes to Somalia crisis his policy seems to be mature and farsighted he was proactive rather than reactive. In the past Ethiopian policy was characterised by reactive approach, which was always prone to bring about great consequence afterwards. But the Prime minister and his team has changed that approach for good that was so far proved to be to the advantage of Ethiopia

In addition the prime minister has proved to be a widely read, knowledgeable and intelligent person who can discuss and say something of his own about major international issues with ease. He often gets invitation to present his point of view on academic gatherings and seminars- this is a special privilege for an African leader.

On the other hand one can also argue that the Prime minister was largely lucky. Truly speaking the present international politics and reality is such that Ethiopia has all the relative advantage to draw the support of major players of international politics. As far as my knowledge goes this is a unique opportunity in the recent and past political history of Ethiopia. However it requires knowledge and sound leadership skills to make use of the favourable situations created by the external factors and international players at large. That necessary trait seems in abundance in the person of the Prime minister.

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