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Africa

By Leenco Lata

Who is presently in control in Ethiopia? This is a strange question coming from a person who never minces his words when criticizing the EPRDF for installing an authoritarian order in Ethiopia, in which the top official is unquestionably in control. It is also strange to pose the question about a country where who is in control has never really been an issue at all. Emperor Haile Selassie, Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam and Meles Zenawi were fully in control in their day and in their distinct ways. Who is in control was never in doubt during the time of these previous rulers.

On February 14, 2016, devotees of Dhebuu, a very popular Television serial drama in Afaan Oromo, woke up to the tragic news of the passing of Admasu Berhanu, one of the most prominent actors that had helped make the show a gripping watch week after week. Admasu played Abbaa Latta, a prosperous old man who persists on badgering his eligible, bachelor son to settle down and start a family.