Hailemariam Desalegn, born on July 19, 1965, in the Wolayta Zone in southern Ethiopia, is an Ethiopian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 2012 to 2018. He was born into an ethnic Wolayta family and raised in a multi-ethnic community, which influenced his later political focus on unity and federalism within Ethiopia's diverse society. His early education took place in his hometown, and he went on to pursue higher education at Addis Ababa University, where he earned a degree in civil engineering in 1988. Hailemariam continued his education in Finland, obtaining a master’s degree in sanitary engineering.

Hailemariam began his career in academia, working as a lecturer at Arba Minch University, where he eventually became the Dean. During his tenure in education, he earned a reputation for his work ethic and leadership. In the early 2000s, he shifted towards politics, joining the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and its affiliate, the Southern Ethiopian People's Democratic Movement (SEPDM). He rose quickly within the party ranks and served as the President of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), one of Ethiopia's nine regional states. His governance in this diverse region further enhanced his focus on federalism and the importance of maintaining unity among Ethiopia's various ethnic groups.

In 2010, Hailemariam was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia by then-Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. He was a close ally of Zenawi, and his appointment to such senior positions indicated his growing influence within the EPRDF. When Zenawi died unexpectedly in 2012, Hailemariam was chosen as his successor, becoming the first non-Tigrayan leader of Ethiopia in over two decades. His elevation to Prime Minister was seen as a move towards broadening political representation in the country.

As Prime Minister, Hailemariam continued many of Zenawi's policies, particularly the focus on rapid economic growth and infrastructure development. Ethiopia, under his leadership, was recognized for its strong economic performance, achieving significant growth rates. However, Hailemariam’s tenure was also marked by growing political unrest and demands for greater political freedom, particularly from the Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups. His government faced numerous protests, which were often met with heavy-handed security responses, leading to widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.

In February 2018, in a surprise move, Hailemariam announced his resignation from both the position of Prime Minister and the chairmanship of the EPRDF. He stated that his decision was aimed at helping to bring about the reforms that the country needed to address the growing political crisis. His resignation was viewed as an unprecedented and voluntary move in a region where leaders often cling to power. Hailemariam was succeeded by Abiy Ahmed, who initiated a series of major reforms that included the release of political prisoners, peace efforts with Eritrea, and greater political freedoms.

After stepping down, Hailemariam remained an influential figure in Ethiopian politics and governance. He became active in various regional and global initiatives, particularly focusing on issues such as climate change, agricultural development, and water resource management. His legacy as Prime Minister is a complex one, marked by both significant economic achievements and political challenges.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hailemariam_Desalegn