The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

In a recent article in Voice of America, Scott Stearns summarizes Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s controversial 20 years in power. Stearns notes his achievements, which included helping end the communist “Red Terror” of Menigstu Haile Mariam, stabilizing security efforts in the Horn of Africa and, most notably, his success in fueling economic growth.

While Meles will be remembered as a principal ally to the U.S. for his counterterrorism efforts, Stearns cites criticism from both the State Department and Amnesty International on his human rights record, including a current report that mentions Meles’ use of torture, abuse and mistreatment of detainees by security forces.

“He did a lot to stabilize the country and the Horn of Africa,” said Chris Fomunyoh, NDI’s regional director for Central and West Africa, in an interview for the article. “But he’s also left a very questionable legacy in regard to human rights, respect for the media, freedom of the press, respect for the opposition and creating political space in Ethiopia.”

Stearns explains, “reflections on the death of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi are as mixed as his legacy.”