It has been weeks since that fateful announcement by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of his decision to vacate his post. The media frenzy was at first focused on him, which is not surprising since senior-level officials rarely resign in Ethiopia, or in Africa. But people were already looking forward to finding out who his successor will be.
A little bit of looking back is necessary. When Hailemariam first took office six years ago, few expected the extraordinary set of events that would take place since then. In his briefing to members of the media, or speaking in parliament, he usually appeared very different from his predecessor, the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.
...