The dissolution of the Eritrean parliament by Emperor Haile Selassie

The dissolution of the Eritrean parliament by Emperor Haile Selassie marked a pivotal moment in the region's history. This unilateral action led to the annexation of Eritrea by Ethiopia, effectively ending its autonomous governance. The decision was met with widespread discontent among Eritreans, who had aspirations for self-determination and governance. In response to this annexation, various groups, including those led by Hamid Idris Awate, initiated an armed struggle for independence. This conflict, known as the Eritrean War of Independence, spanned three decades, characterized by a series of battles and shifting alliances against successive Ethiopian governments. The war resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with estimates suggesting that hundreds of thousands of people were affected. The struggle for independence was marked by resilience and determination among Eritreans, ultimately leading to the establishment of Eritrea as an independent nation in the early 1990s.