In the wake of Meles Zenawi's death acting prime mister Hailemariam Desalegne will assume his temporary responsibility. There is fear in the region of a rocky transition. Considered a linchpin in the African region and a key ally to the US in the Horn of Africa Meles Zenawi has brought increasing economic growth to Ethopia during his tenure by doubling the regions per capita GDP. He was also renowned for acting as a reliable Security Council in a region plagued with terrorism and conflict.
In an attempt to faze out the Tigrayan Peoples Liberation Front old guard Meles has been grooming Mr Hailemariam to take over the party. However sceptics are wary whether Mr Hailemariam, who hails from the minority Wolyita group, will be accepted by the ruling Tigrayan elite. A number of analysts believe that there may be a power struggle in the party which will reignite separatist opposition - potentially backed by long term foe and neighbour Eritrea. Eritrea declared its independence from Ethiopia in 1993.
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