The death of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has created fears of a “power vacuum” in the Horn of Africa nation.

Analysts warn that stability in the region depends on a peaceful transition in Ethiopia.

In recent years Ethiopia which hosts the Head Quarters of the Africa Union has turned into a key player in regional security affairs – mediating conflicts and brokering landmark agreements.

Now, the death of Meles is considered a setback to Ethiopia’s rise within the African Union.

His death could also affect Ethiopia’s relations with Eritrea, still at odds a decade after border war killed tens of thousands of people.

Government officials insist Meles’s policies will continue to be followed. 

Bereket Simon, the communication minister, said: “We will continue to play a very important integrational role in terms of social, economic, and political matters.”

However, for many Ethiopians the next president’s regional policy is only a secondary priority, after years of deep domestic problems, they insist that stability within the country should be their government’s first order of business.

Source: (aljazeera)