Hailemariam Desalegn has offered his resignation letter as the Chairman of the ruling coalition and as Prime Minister of Ethiopia amid unrest and political crisis that have led to the arrest and death of many Ethiopians particularly from the Oromo region. It followed the release of hundreds of political prisoners including some of the most prominent political opposition members
According to his resignation letter Hailemariam said it is vital he steps aside to allow for reforms. He is the second head of state to do so in two days following the resignation of Jacob Zuma, the immediate former President of South Africa.
Ethiopia is an East African economic success story that houses the continents African Union offices and is a strong ally of the United States. The country saw several years of double digit growth mostly due to government spending and investment in infrastructure.