Azeb Mesfin Haile, born on December 21, 1966, is a prominent Ethiopian politician and was the second First Lady of Ethiopia from 2001 to 2012 during the premiership of her husband, Meles Zenawi. Her life and career have been marked by both significant achievements and considerable controversy.
Azeb was born in Welkait in the Tigray region and raised in Gadarif, Eastern Sudan. She is the daughter of an Amhara peasant farmer father, Mesfin Haile, and a Tigrayan mother, Konjit Gola. Her maternal grandfather, Gola Goshu, served as an Italian Askari during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1936). Due to his actions during the war, Gola was killed by Ethiopian patriots.
Azeb was married to Meles Zenawi until his death in 2012. Together they had three children: Semhal, Marda, and Senay Meles.
In 2005, Azeb was elected to the House of Peoples' Representatives, the lower house of the Ethiopian Parliament, representing her home woreda of Welkait and Humera. She also serves as chair of its Social Affairs Standing Committee.
Political Career
By 2005, Azeb officially entered politics by becoming a Member of Parliament (MP). She is also believed to have been the only woman member of the all-powerful 9-member TPLF Executive Committee, as well as one of their Central Committee Members.
Read also: Planning Your Ethiopia Trip
In early 2009, she was appointed CEO of the Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of Tigray (EFFORT) by its head, Abadi Zemu. EFFORT is a multi-billion dollar business conglomerate, and her position as CEO cemented Azeb Mesfin’s position as one of, if not the most powerful woman in Ethiopia.
Even after the death of her powerful husband, Azeb Mesfin continues to wield a dominant role, albeit much lesser than when she was at the height of authority.
She oversees the operations of the Meles Zenawi Foundation or MZF, which caused some controversy over the prime land they planned to take from Oromo farmers.
Azeb Mesfin is also the founder and patron of Ethiopia's National Initiative for Mental Health.
Controversies and Criticisms
Azeb's role has at times been controversial, with some members of Ethiopia's diaspora alleging that, during the period in which she was an executive at the parastatal Mega Corporation, she was involved in "the impropriety of mingling public, private and party-owned businesses." Some accusations included that she allegedly blurred the lines between TPLF, public and private businesses, making it difficult to trace the money.
Read also: CEO Opportunity: Development Bank of Ethiopia
It is reported that Azeb’s grandfather, Gola Goshu was considered a traitor who worked along with the Italians during the 1935-1941 invasion. It is believed that during this time, they would become romantically involved, although there were strict policies in place that forbade such relations.
Achievements and Philanthropy
Despite controversies, Azeb is also known for her work to teach rural Ethiopians about the issues of HIV/AIDS. She started the organization "Ethiopian Coalition of Women against HIV/AIDS" and continues to work closely with community leaders to ensure the rights of women, fight harmful traditional practices, and combat HIV/AIDS. Her appearance at a special ceremony to honor the First Ladies of Africa for their efforts against the spread of HIV/AIDS held by Georgetown University of Washington DC on 15 January 2007 was met by protests of exiled Ethiopians.
The University was awarding its "John Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award" to the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS for its leadership and service toward the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On August 23, 2012, Meles Zenawi passed away due to an unknown illness.
A former senior leader within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) noted that Azeb Mesfin, the widow of Meles, was removed from the executive committee and reportedly fell out with most party leaders.
Read also: Hotel Expansion in Ethiopia
Here is a summary of Azeb Mesfin's key roles and positions:
| Role/Position | Years |
|---|---|
| First Lady of Ethiopia | 2001-2012 |
| Member of Parliament | 2005 onwards |
| Chair of Social Affairs Standing Committee | N/A |
| CEO of EFFORT | 2009 onwards |
| Founder and Patron of National Initiative for Mental Health | N/A |
More discussion on Zenawi's Death and Legacy
Azeb Mesfin remains a significant figure in Ethiopian society, navigating a complex legacy of political power and philanthropic endeavors.
Popular articles:
tags: #Ethiopia
