Hailemariam’s appointment as deputy prime minister and foreign minister in an October government reshuffle strengthens his position as a potential successor in 2015. Hailemariam’s party, the SEPDM, has also gained a further two prominent ministries, defence and federal affairs, strengthening the party relative to the traditional power bases in the TPLF, OPDO and ANDM.
Decision time for north and south
National elections in early 2010 and the referendum on southern independence in 2011 provide the backdrop for continuing conflicts in the west, in the Darfur region, and in the south.
Kikwete looking for legacy
Opposition parties earned their bestever scores in the October presidential elections, but President Kikwete and the ruling CCMwill still rule unchallenged until the next polls in five years’ time.
Sharp contests and key players
Opposition politicians appear to have given up on unity, strengthening the hand of President Museveni as he faces Kizza Besigye, his unsuccessful challenger in every election since 2001.
A one-man show?
Kagame’s dominance of the political scene hides schisms within the Rwandan Patriotic Front and the military hierarchy, which could undermine the country’s long-term stability.
Fragile government faces deadline
Instability in the Horn of Africa will continue as neither the AU-backed transitional government nor the Islamist Al Shabaab rebels have the support and resources to win a decisive military victory.
Firm hands on the tiller
Ethiopia's large potential for energy exports is being explored as large new hydro-electric dams are completed in the next couple of years to supplement trade in coffee and other commodities.
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