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Remembering Meles Zenawi: The skillful Politician Zekarias Ezra 08-20-18 I want to share my opinion on the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the 6th year anniversary of his passing. The late PM Meles had formidable political skills. I have had issues and plenty of disagreements with his political ideology. Yet, that should not forestall me opining on his best qualities and accomplishments. The phrase politicians are born, not made is true. The late PM was a politician in the true sense of the word. Time and again we see people coming into public life from the blind side and sometimes they even make headlines by what they say. People sometimes quickly get impressed and go forward to support such people.These types of politicians may become popular, or rather populists, but in truth they are more like the empty vessels that make most sound. Meles, however, was an effective politician who skillfully maneuvered the cut-throat politics of third world to become a political wiz acknowledged and admired by friends and foes alike even by the super powers of our world. On May 19, 1991, EPRDF was a rebel group and Meles, a leader of a rebel group. Overnight, the rebel group and its leader became the government. The question was: Did EPRDF and Meles have the talent, intention or the right technique to steer the country safely through the troubled waters?
Meles and his party indeed were able to steer the country of danger at that time. Time will tell what would become of Ethiopia in the future. Be that as it may, the late PM Meles Zenawi, I would submit, should be reorganized as one of the best political leaders Ethiopia and even Africa have. Ability to learn on the job In 1991, I asked Meles what he would like me to do to help him before I left, says a diplomat. To which Meles replied: “I need to learn something about economics, can you get me some basic books?” Meles was able to acknowledge errors, learn from them, and then move. He tried to establish a culture of learning in his administration. Doubt is hovering over the organization if that culture is still intact. Quick thinking and decision-making Leader capability is to think fast and be a good in decision-making. Meles no doubt had that skill when it matters most. Intelligence This doesn’t necessarily mean academic excellence.It’s more of being smart and proactive in dealing with situations. Meles had this quality in abundance. “Masterful at dealing with Western governments, he cleverly played off their own security concerns and their rivalry with China and India, to which he also cozied up. There were few African leaders who could berate their donor countries while simultaneously holding out their palm for more aid money, but Meles had the chutzpah to carry it off.” (NPR) “His mind is sharp, his memory elephantine, and he bristles with energy and vigour.”(The Economist) “Under his leadership, Ethiopia carved out a major role for itself in Africa and beyond - mediating in conflicts and assuming a lead position within the African Union. It is a role, analysts now say, Ethiopia will find difficult to fulfill.” (Aljazeera) Need we say more? መለስ፥ቢኖር፥ዛሬ፥አየሆነ፥ያለው፥ይሆን፥ነበር? Back to Front Page |