By Abdul Tejan-Cole Since April 2018 a miracle has been happening in Ethiopia. Following three years of states of emergency and failed government crackdown on protests, then Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn resigned his position in February 2018. After a heated leadership contest, Abiy Ahmed was declared Chairman of the ruling coalition in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian People's
BBC News
Published
image copyrightAFP
Ethiopia s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was once widely praised outside the country for his reforming zeal but that image was shattered in the months leading up to his first electoral test.
His journey from darling of the international community to condemnation has been swift.
Bagging the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2019 for finally bringing an end to the 20-year stalemate with Eritrea cemented his international status. But the war in Ethiopia s northern Tigray region has meant a rapid reversal.
He became prime minister in 2018 at the age of 41, taking on the job against the backdrop of anti-government protests. His youthful energy and beaming smile offered hope.