(OPride) – In a shocking televised statement on Thursday, Ethiopia’s Hailemariam Desalegn announced stepping down as the country’s Prime Minister and chairperson of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). It came in the midst of a political turmoil and the release of high-profile religious leaders, opposition politicians, and journalists.
Hailemariam’s departure was widely expected. The two questions on everyone’s mind now are: What comes next? Who will succeed him? Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu Woldekidan? Speaker of the House Abbadula Gamada? Deputy President of Oromia State, Abiy Ahmed? Deputy PM Demeke Mekonnen Hassen? Given the ongoing bitter succession struggle within the party, the answer to those questions remain as unclear to observers as it is for EPRDF leaders.
As PM Hailemariam Desalegn resigns, what’s next for Ethiopia?
