Meles Zenawi

 The Meles government instituted an ethnic federalism that was later in the face of some Ethiopians. Meles' TPLF party believed that there was no other choice. This was to end centuries of oppression by the centralists and the dominant position of language, culture and economy by the Amhara. On the other hand some parties like the OLF (Oromo Liberation Front) which was a participant in the drafting of the constitution, are able to see Amhara and Tigrayan domination of the country. The aim of the government policy was to make all ethnic groups feel empowered and improve their languages and cultures. The policy was widely accepted as a solution for the need to have governance that was preferred by ethnic-based liberation groups as well as parties that were part of the July Convention of Nationalities 1991. Meles addressed critics who claim ethnic federalism can cause divisions. Meles said it served a number of purposes such as equitable distribution of wealth and empowerment of ethnicities. Meles said that Ethiopia's democratic foundation was based on the government's efforts to eradicate poverty and ensure a fair distribution of wealth. Peasants must be able to choose in their own terms according their own culture. They must have the power they require, and should understand their cultural identity ..... Other development approaches were hegemonic and exploitative, leading to war and internecine conflict.