Ethiopia’s Meles Zenawi quitting; isn’t it a joke?

According to reliable news reports, Ethiopia’s political strongman of some three decades, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, has indicated that he is to relinquish power and step down voluntarily. If that comes to pass it will be a truly epoch-making event.

In Africa’s 50 or so years of flag-and-anthem independence less than half a dozen leaders have had the strength of character to walk away from the political dining table at their own free will.