The future is uncertain for Ethiopia after the death of dictator Meles Zenawi on Monday. The 57-year-old president has ruled the country since 1991, when he led a military coup to oust Mengistu Haile Mariam, the man who led a communist military junta and oversaw the Ethiopian Red Terror, and who has since lived in exile in Zimbabwe as a guest of Robert Mugabe, hiding from genocide charges.
Meles had a micro-management governing style, keeping a firm grip on power, so that there will now be something of a power vacuum, according to analysts. He was known for his ruthlessness in eliminating potential opponents, restricting freedom of the press, and controlling the operations of non-governmental organisations. On the other hand, he was a key ally of the US in its fight against terrorism in the region.
Ethiopia currently has a number of armed opposition groups, some of whom are trying to seize power while others are trying to secede. Relations with neighbouring countries Eritrea and Somalia are tense and liable to descend into military action at any time. Deputy prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn will be the interim leader of the country, but there is a risk of civil war is an armed power struggle ensues.