Ethiopian Leader Meles Dies at 57 Voice of America August 21st, 2012 Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has died at the age of 57 after months of speculation about his health. State television announced his death Tuesday, saying he died from a sudden infection late Monday while at a hospital abroad. Mr. Meles had been suffering from an undisclosed illness and had not been seen in public for more than a month. State media said Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn will serve as acting prime minister. Prime Minister Meles ruled his country for more than 20 years, after the rebel alliance he led, the EPRDF (Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front), seized power in 1991. Mr. Meles earned praise abroad for improvements in the economy, education and health care. But human rights groups sharply criticized him for various abuses, including restrictions on independent media. Under Mr. Meles, Ethiopia fought a border war with Eritrea and...