Ethiopia in a crossroad to an important change

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It looks like Ethiopia is on a cross road after a series of anti-government protests have claimed lives and damaged millions of dollars' worth of property.

These incidents pushed Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to tender his resignation to leave both his posts as chair of the ruling EPRDF party and Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The country is also under a six months state of emergency; declared to "safeguard the constitutional order".

Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn looks on during a joint press conference at the national palace of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on February 24, 2017. /VCG Photo‍

Earlier the ruling party had introduced reform measures, including pardoning prisoners and so far thousands have been freed including prominent political leaders. First Merera Gudina and then Bekele Gerba were released. They are examples of the many recognized political figures whose cases have been terminated by the nation's attorney general office.

The two personalities advocate rights of the Oromo, the largest ethnic grouping in Ethiopia.

Many protested across the Oromia region, demanding the freedom of both Merera Gudina and Bekele Gerba and now are finally able to see them freed.

Today almost all political prisoners behind bars have been granted amnesty. Still people look forward to seeing the country's impressive economic advancement, good governance and inclusion in the leadership space.

Supporters of Bekele Gerba, secretary general of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), chant slogans to celebrate Gerba's release from prison, in Adama, Oromia Region, Ethiopia February 14, 2018. /VCG Photo

The ruling party announced it will democratically elect a new chairperson at its next congress, who by default will become the Prime minister of the largest economy in East Africa and one of the fastest growing countries in Africa and world.