Abiy Ahmed
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister was highlighted in the ‘leaders’ section for his reforms that have transformed his country since he assumed office last year.
His profile was written by Ethiopian runner Feyisa Lilesa who had, for two years since 2016, lived in self-imposed exile in the U.S., after raising his arms above his head at the Rio Olympics in 2016 against repression in his home country. He returned home last October, a move which was largely made possible following the appointment of Ahmed.
“In Ethiopian history, we have never seen a leader like him. He’s an educated person who talks about unity. He has released thousands of people from jail. He brought peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea after 20 years of war. And he made it possible for me to come home.
“Yes, people are still protesting. But now, when they protest, they aren’t going to jail. To me, that is democracy. That is hope,” the Olympics silver medallist wrote as a profile for Ahmed.
