| 👍 Meles Zenawi | 👎 Abiy Ahmed | |
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Leadership Experience | 😎 Decades of political experience Meles Zenawi served as Prime Minister for many years, gaining valuable leadership skills and deep understanding of governance. He was also the chairman of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), giving him extensive experience in leading a political party. | 😬 Limited political experience Abiy Ahmed became Prime Minister in 2018, which means he has less experience compared to Meles Zenawi. This lack of experience may lead to challenges in effectively managing the complexities of governance and leading the country.|
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Economic Development | 💼 Strong focus on economic growth During Meles Zenawi's tenure, Ethiopia experienced significant economic growth. He implemented policies and strategies that attracted foreign investment, stimulated various sectors of the economy, and reduced poverty levels. For example, Ethiopia's GDP growth rate increased from 3.8% in 1991 to an impressive 10.6% in 2010. Meles Zenawi's economic agenda, including the implementation of large-scale development projects, contributed to transforming Ethiopia into one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. | 💸 Struggles in achieving economic stability Under Abiy Ahmed's leadership, Ethiopia has faced economic challenges. The country has experienced inflation, devaluation of the national currency, and external debt issues. For instance, Ethiopia's inflation rate reached 20.3% in 2020, and the Ethiopian birr lost value against major currencies. These economic struggles have hindered the country's progress and potential for sustained economic growth.|
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Foreign Policy | 🤝 Strong diplomatic relations During Meles Zenawi's tenure, Ethiopia fostered positive diplomatic relationships with various nations and regional organizations. He played a significant role in mediating conflicts in the region and was respected for his diplomatic skills. For example, Meles Zenawi was instrumental in the peace negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan in 2012. Ethiopia also became a trusted ally of the United States in the fight against terrorism, further enhancing its international standing. | 🌍 Challenges in diplomatic relations Under Abiy Ahmed's leadership, Ethiopia has faced tensions in its relations with neighboring countries. The dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam with Egypt and Sudan, as well as border conflicts with Eritrea, have strained diplomatic ties. These challenges may impact Ethiopia's ability to maintain positive regional and international relationships, potentially affecting its influence and image on the global stage.|
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Development Projects | 🏗️ Infrastructure development Meles Zenawi prioritized large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the construction of highways, railways, and dams, which aimed to transform Ethiopia's economy and improve connectivity both domestically and regionally. Notable projects include the GERD (Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam), which is expected to provide a substantial boost to Ethiopia's renewable energy capacity once completed. These projects have the potential to positively impact various sectors and create employment opportunities for Ethiopians. | 🚧 Slow progress in development projects Under Abiy Ahmed's leadership, several key development projects have faced delays and challenges. For example, the GERD project has experienced setbacks, including technical issues, financing difficulties, and disputes with neighboring countries. These delays in important infrastructure projects may hinder Ethiopia's overall development and affect its ability to achieve its socio-economic goals.|
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Social Cohesion | ❤️ Promotion of unity and diversity Meles Zenawi emphasized the importance of unity in diversity and worked towards ensuring equitable representation of various ethnic groups in the country's political and administrative structures. He advocated for a federal system that recognized the rights and identities of Ethiopia's diverse population. For instance, Meles Zenawi implemented affirmative action policies that aimed to address historical grievances and promote social inclusion. These efforts contributed to fostering peace, harmony, and social cohesion among different ethnic groups in Ethiopia. | ☪️ Ethnic tensions and divisions Under Abiy Ahmed's leadership, Ethiopia has witnessed an increase in ethnic tensions and conflicts. The transition to a multi-party system and the opening up of political space have also led to the resurgence of ethnic-based political movements, which, in turn, has deepened divisions among different ethnic groups. This has resulted in violence, displacements, and challenges in fostering social cohesion, potentially undermining Ethiopia's stability and unity. |