By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The Death of Meles Zenawi has robbed the Horn of Africa a great and visionary leader.
This was stated by the president of Somaliland H.E Ahmed Mahmoud Silanyo in a message of condolences extend to the government and people of Ethiopia following the death of their Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.
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He was a charismatic leader who campaigned for, and ensured that peace and security prevails in the Horn Region,” said the president
Meles Zenawi the Ethiopian Prime Minister who was 57 years old, died earlier today after weeks at a hospital in Belgium where was hospitalized for undisclosed medical conditions.
The president’s message read:
“on my own behalf, that of the government and people of Somaliland, I extend condolences to the government and people of Ethiopia on the sad demise of Prime minister Meles Zenawi who died in Belgium”
I also extend condolences to the entire Honr of Africa region where the late Meles Zenawi is credited with relentless efforts to establish peace and security.
Though the relationship between Somaliland and Ethipia started during the liberation struggle in the 1980’s, it is during the tenure of Meles Zenawi as prime minister that the prevailing partnership in Security, Commerce and development was cemented of which we are confident that they will be maintained.(End of statement)
The president who revealed that he was the first rto sign a book of condolences opened in Hargeisa also informed that the government and people of somaliland will send a high level delegation to the state burial of late Prime minister Meles Zenawi.
Speculation about his health began when he missed an African Union summit in Addis Ababa earlier last month.
Mr Meles took power as the leader of rebels that ousted communist leader Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991.
Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who is also Ethiopia’s foreign minister, will be acting head of government, state television said.
