Meles Zenawi, who served as Ethiopia's Prime Minister for more than 20 years, died on Monday. He was 57.

Zenawi had reportedly been undergoing treatment in Brussels for an undisclosed illness, when he developed a sudden infection and died.

Zenawi was credited with bringing economic stability and prosperity to the African nation during his tenure, and was a strong ally of the United States.

Ethiopia's state media announced that Deputy Prime Ministe Hailemariam Desalegn will step in as acting prime minister.