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Series of controversies have started trailing the sudden death of Ethiopian Prime Minister,?Meles Zenawi, who reportedly died at the late hours of Monday, this week.
The Amnesty International that has strongly criticized the human rights record of Ethiopia’s Meles Zenawi.
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In a reaction signed by Claire Beston, Amnesty International's Ethiopia researcher, the group said that Zenawi’s 21-year rule was characterized by ever-increasing repression and widespread human rights violations.?
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“His government stamped out dissenting voices, dismantled the independent media, obstructed human rights organisations and strangled the political opposition,” the group said.
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“Ethiopia’s jails are packed to the seams with suspected political opponents – from urban intellectuals to rural farmers. Torture and ill treatment are commonplace. State resources, assistance and opportunities have been broadly used to control the population. Tens of thousands of Ethiopians were forced to flee the country during his rule.”
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The group described the succession of Meles Zenawi as a significant opportunity, which the government and the next Prime Minister must use to change the course of the country, towards ushering in an era of greater respect for the rights of all Ethiopians.
Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa has sent condolences to the government and people of Ethiopia on the passing away of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.?
“It is an absolute tragedy for Africa and the people of Ethiopia to mourn such an exceptional leader who contributed as an active role player in various continental and global initiatives, especially in playing host to the African Union, which is based in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.?
“Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, as well as the government and the people of Ethiopia during this difficult time,” said Zuma.
Zenawi, 57, led a liberation movement and came to power after overthrowing the military junta in 1991. He served as President from 1991 to 1995.?
Since then, he has served as Prime Minister and has been responsible for the economic development of his country.
According to the Ethiopian government, Zenawi was being treated abroad for an undisclosed illness when he had a “sudden infection” and passed away on late on Monday.?
South Africa remains confident that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haile Mariam Desalegne, who will act as Prime Minister in the interim, as per the Ethiopian constitution, will continue to maintain stability and peace in the region, in keeping with the legacy of Prime Minister Zenawi.?
South Africa has always seen Ethiopia as an anchor state and a leading country in the Horn of Africa region. Zenawi had been a strong leader, not only for his country but on the African continent, acting as mediator on numerous talks, particularly in the Horn of Africa region.?
South Africa's relations with Ethiopia are excellent as illustrated by the most recent session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Addis Ababa in April 2012 and various bilateral agreements signed between the two countries.