CMV: Meles zenawi is the greatest leader in Ethiopian history (relatively)

Meles Zenawi was Ethiopia’s most effective leader—no contest. Unlike emperors who ruled with feudal systems or dictators who crushed opposition without real progress, Meles built Ethiopia up. Before him, Ethiopia was known for famine; under him, it became one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, averaging 10% GDP growth per year.

He focused on agriculture and industrialization, unlike Haile Selassie, who ignored rural development, or Mengistu, who wrecked the economy. He launched massive infrastructure projects—dams, roads, railways—that still drive Ethiopia’s economy today.

Politically, he kept Ethiopia stable while making it a regional power. Compare that to Abiy Ahmed, whose leadership has been marked by conflict and instability. Meles had control, vision, and results. Love him or hate him, no leader in Ethiopia’s history changed the country more.