Ethiopia PM preparing to step down

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi reaffirmed his readiness to leave his office, saying he wants to see a new generation of leadership in the post.

Meles says he wants to step down but the final decision will be made by his ruling party that has led the country for the last 18 years. However, he has not given a deadline for his departure.

During the last five months, Meles has insisted on his decision to step down, but his party colleagues and other supporters want to keep him in the post.
The ruling party remains officially remains silent but party members have kept their outspoken chairman, Meles Zenawi, in his post despite a wider local and international criticism against his government's poor human rights record.

Veteran guerilla fighter and a member of the ruling party Ethiopian People Democratic Front (EPRDF) Tamerat Asgedom from northern Ethiopia's Mekelle town told the Nation that Meles Zenawi's departure is premature and he should be allowed to serve the nation for more one term.

“He is doing well on development and international affairs and we should not allow him to go” Tamerat said.

EPRDF office declined to comment on the issue and said the party central committee will discuss the issue and decide the way forward for the next August summit.

Ethiopian constitution allows the Prime Minster to stay in power for an indefinite period of time.
Meles saying he is a soldier of his party and he want to convince his party comrades.

“I am arguing my case and the others are also arguing their case” Meles told Financial Times newspaper this week.

“I hope we will come up with some common understanding on the way forward that would not require me to resign from my party that I fought for all my life” Meles added.

Meles took over power from the militant Marxist regime of Mengistu Hailemariam in 1991 after 17 years of blood war.
Meles hinted his plan to replace the older leadership who came to power through armed struggle with new blood.

The ruling party EPRDF has nearly 5 million members across the country and has been recruiting more members since last year. EPRDF now overwhelmingly dominates its political opponents.
 

Source: Daily Nation