Thursday, August 02, 2012

Is Ethiopia's PM sick, dead, or just on holiday? (By Adrienne Klasa )

(Aug 02, 2012, Foreign Policy, By Adrienne Klasa)--In an echo of death rumors that have periodically surrounded former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe this year, there's increasing speculation about the whereabouts of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi after a local radio station pronounced him dead. Meles hasn't been seen in public since mid-July, and confirming his whereabouts and condition has proved difficult.

The confusion hit a fever pitch on July 30 when Ethiopian opposition radio outlet ESAT announced it had confirmed that Meles had died.

They claimed to have received the information from diplomatic and international sources including the International Crisis Group (ICG).  The news spread rapidly via social media, only to be denied by ICG in a July 31 statement on its website:

''International Crisis Group has no direct knowledge about the state of health of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. Crisis Group has never commented on Mr Meles's health or his fate, and is not in a position to speculate about it. Crisis Group categorically denies any media claims to the contrary.  ''

Meles has ruled Ethiopia through a tightly controlled autocratic regime for 21 years, and many speculate that his demise would throw the ruling establishment into chaos as his lieutenants vie for leadership. Of course, it's not at all clear that Meles is dead, or close to death. According to his party, he's just on vacation. Or sick. Or tired. The latest statement from an Ethiopian government spokesperson claims Meles is on the mend from his mystery ailment: Read more the original article from Foreign Policy »

Related topics:
Zenawi's condition still unknown
Ethiopians still looking for answers on Meles
Ethiopian PM Meles Zenawi Health Status Report
Where is Meles Zenawi? Ethiopians don't know (By Tom Rhodes/CPJ East Africa Consultant)
“Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in stable condition -The issue of stepping down has not been raised,” says Ethiopia’s Government spokesman

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

i wish long live Meles. you are a best leader for as.

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