ADDIS ABABA: Although uncertainty in Ethiopia is mounting as the country prepares for its first state funeral in 80 years following the death of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on August 20, government officials continue to say the transition of power in the East African country will be smooth. Ethiopia's Ambassador to Kenya Shemsudin Ahmed Roble told reporters on Friday that the country's political succession is moving smoothly “in accordance with the constitution of the land.” He added in Nairobi that “it is a predictable process; there is no room for unknowns. What you see is what you get in Ethiopia.” He added that Parliament would meet after the funeral to endorse Hailemariam Desalegn as the next Prime Minister of Ethiopia. “Therefore, there's no cause for alarm. The policies of the ruling party and the government led by the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi will continue under the new leadership," Roble said. Authoritarian future unwanted There is a tentative hope that democracy and human rights can be part of the transition away from authoritarian rule. Still, many experts have pointed to the reality that Ethiopia is unlikely to see democracy or a change in the status quo, despite the two decades rule of Zenawi coming to an end. The International Crisis Group has reported that in recent years, Zenawi “had relied ever more on repression to quell growing dissent." In the aftermath of this passing on August 20, the ICG says that it “expects his successor to lead a weaker regime that struggles to manage increasing unrest unless it truly implements ethnic federalism and institutes fundamental governance reform." For a university student group made up of Christians and Muslims, which they have dubbed themselves “Concerned Ethiopian Students" they are hopeful that the change can be made for the better. “We have long face this kind of attack from the government if we speak out, so we really want to see democratic change in Ethiopia because it will mean a better country for all," the group told Bikyamasr.com. “Ethiopia deserves a country that is not ruled by one person, but a place where citizens and the people have a say in our future." The students added that they understand the difficulties facing the government, which is expected to maintain the economic openness that marked the Zenawi era, but at the same time they believe a model similar to Southeast Asia can be achieved. “We have a large population, which means we can really build infrastructure if the government wants. There doesn't need to be an either one or the other scenario," the students said in reference to the oft-argued point that economic progress comes at a cost.
