prayers in the Anwar Mosque in Addis Ababa a continuous protest against the government.

Change of guard, not policies

Hailemariam has repeatedly stressed his intention to continue with the policies of his predecessor Meles Zenawi. The flood of cases against journalists and activists, and the crackdown by security forces on Muslim protestors after his first 100 days in office, have observers thinking that there could be a new strong man in this African nation which retained its sovereignty during Africa's colonial times.

Strategically located and hosting the seat of the African Union, Ethiopia is considered the "capital of Africa". However, the country on the Horn of African is facing huge challenges. The population, already Africa's second largest, is growing unabated. The economy, though booming with double-digit growth, is only benefitting asmall urban middle class. And finally, Ethiopia is a frontline state in the international fight against radical Islamist terrorism in neighboring Somalia.

Since 1996 Ethiopia has made incursions into Somalia

These are all challenges that the new prime minister must address urgently with his new cabinet.

Meanwhile, his foreign policy plate seems to be full. In early January he was expected to mediate in the ongoing conflict between Sudan and South Sudan.

"The death of Meles Zenawi will not change Ethiopia's political landscape overnight. The media would like to see the leash dropped," Mosley said. "But since the bloody 2005 elections, Ethiopia's political line is to tighten its reins on power and release very slowly as much as the authorities deem appropriate and as permitted by the country's stability."

With such a policy,