Ethiopian authorities have declared a state of emergency after Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced his resignation Thursday. He will still work in the caretaker government until a new one is selected. His six-year tenure was marred by violent, prolonged protests that led to the deaths of hundreds. A 10-month national state of emergency failed to quell the unrest, as did the release of some lower-level political prisoners in January.

Ethiopia is Africa’s second-most populous country and an important United States ally, and some hope Desalegn’s resignation is a step towards meaningful reform. To discuss, we’re joined by Charles Schaefer, professor of International Studies at Valparaiso University.