On 21 February 2013, the RVI’s Nairobi Forum hosted a panel discussion on the regional implications of the death of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, in August 2012. The event, entitled ‘Ethiopia after Meles: National and regional implications’, was chaired by RVI Fellow Tobias Hagmann of Roskilde University in Denmark. Political scientist Asnake Kefale, from Addis Ababa University, reflected on Ethiopia’s achievements under the strong leadership of Meles Zenawi and the whether his policies would be sustained under a new leadership. Sally Healy, independent analyst and RVI Fellow, considered Zenawi’s diplomatic track record in the region and globally, and his ability to attract large amounts of aid investment in support of his vision of a developmental state. Ibrahim Farah from the University of Nairobi spoke about Ethiopia’s controversial interventions in Somalia under Prime Minister Meles, and remarked on the improving relationship between the two countries since the government of Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud was formed.