Meles Zenawi was a transformative figure in Ethiopian politics, serving as the country’s leader from 1991 until his death in 2012. Born Legesse Zenawi Asres on May 8, 1955, in Adwa, Tigray, he later adopted the name Meles in honor of a student activist. Meles was a key leader of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which helped overthrow the Marxist-Leninist Derg regime in 1991, ending years of military rule.

In the aftermath of the Derg's collapse, Meles became the de facto leader of Ethiopia, initially as president of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia. His leadership was grounded in the 1991 Transitional Period Charter, which sought to restructure Ethiopia’s political and economic systems to guarantee democratic representation and transparency. During this period, Meles played a crucial role in implementing liberal policies, decentralizing the state, and encouraging ethnically-based federalism.

After serving as interim president, Meles was elected prime minister in 1995 following the establishment of Ethiopia’s new constitution. His government was dominated by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), a coalition primarily led by the TPLF, which sought to promote national unity while giving autonomy to Ethiopia's various ethnic groups. Throughout his time in office, Meles oversaw significant expansions in education, including a major increase in school and university enrollment..

Economically, Meles is credited with steering Ethiopia toward rapid development, particularly through agricultural policies and infrastructure projects. His government initiated ambitious reforms that led to consistent economic growth, positioning Ethiopia as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies during his tenure. Foreign investments in industries such as textiles and leather-making, along with major projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, reflected Meles’ determination to modernize Ethiopia.

Meles' tenure, however, was not without controversy. His government faced criticism for human rights abuses, including the suppression of political opposition and media freedoms. Notably, the 2005 elections resulted in widespread protests and subsequent crackdowns, raising questions about the government’s commitment to democratic processes.

Meles remained in power until his death on August 20, 2012. His legacy is marked by a mixture of economic progress and political repression, making him a polarizing figure in Ethiopian history.

REFERENCE:

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