Ethiopia Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Resigns
Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn submitted his resignation Thursday in an apparent bid to ease political turmoil in a country that is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
The announcement came after the government released hundreds of political prisoners, including some prominent opposition members, sparking massive celebrations in parts of the country.
A staunch U.S. ally in the fight against terrorism and the second-most populous country in Africa, Ethiopia is a regional powerhouse with grand economic ambitions. But for the past few years, it has seethed with social unrest. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands have been imprisoned, including top opposition figures.
Hours before Desalegn’s resignation, the president of another African powerhouse, South Africa, stepped down amid scandal and charges of mismanagement.
According to the state-run Ethiopian News Agency, Desalegn resigned both as prime minister and chairman of the ruling party “to be part of the efforts to provide a lasting solution to the current situation.” He added that he would stay on until a successor was chosen.
