Hailemariam Desalegn
Hailemariam Desalegn is a prominent Ethiopian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 2012 to 2018. He succeeded Meles Zenawi and was the first Ethiopian leader from the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region. During his tenure, Desalegn focused on economic development and infrastructure projects, aiming to transform Ethiopia into a middle-income country. His leadership was marked by both progress and challenges, including political unrest and calls for greater democratic reforms. After stepping down, he has continued to engage in diplomacy and peace initiatives, including recent efforts to facilitate peace processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Recent news mentions
Several former African leaders have been appointed to spearhead mediation efforts, including former Ethiopia Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
EAC takes regional peace push to AU over eastern DRC conflict
Tanzania· 2026-03-07
Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has been endorsed as the patron of the Ateker Leaders Council.
Ateker community endorse former Ethiopia PM as their patron
Kenya· 2025-12-13
Ethiopia signed a $200 million buyer’s credit with Israel’s Bank Hapoalim under then prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
Israel in Africa – a friend with no benefits – The Mail & Guardian
South Africa· 2025-09-30
Hailemariam Desalegn was Abiy Ahmed's predecessor, whose term ran from 2012 to 2018.
Iran and Ethiopia have a security deal – here’s why they signed itTanzania· 2025-05-13
Hailemariam Desalegn resigned as prime minister in 2018, leading to a significant political shift in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s civil war: what’s behind the Amhara rebellion?Tanzania· 2025-04-02
The first summit appointed Kenyatta, Obasanjo, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn as joint facilitators of the merged Nairobi and Luanda peace processes.
EAC, SADC leaders intensify DRC peace efforts in second joint summitKenya· 2025-03-25
Hailemariam Desalegn is a former prime minister of Ethiopia involved in the debt relief initiative.
Ex-presidents want debt relief for cash-strapped African countriesKenya· 2025-02-28
Hailemariam Desalegn is a former Prime Minister of Ethiopia who signed the debt relief initiative document.
Oito ex-líderes africanos lançam iniciativa para aliviar crise da dívida
Cabo Verde· 2025-02-27
He will be joined by former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn as co-facilitator of the merged Luanda-Nairobi process.
Kenyatta, Obasanjo, and Desalegn tasked with reviving stalled DRC peace processTanzania· 2025-02-25Hailemariam Desalegn was appointed as a facilitator of the peace processes in eastern DRC.
Uhuru, Obasanjo and Desalegn appointed to lead DRC peace initiativeKenya· 2025-02-24