Rise of the Derg: Military junta's decade-long rule in Ethiopia described.

The establishment of the Derg, a military junta that ruled Ethiopia for more than a decade, marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape. The Derg emerged amidst widespread discontent with the imperial regime of Emperor Haile Selassie, plagued by economic stagnation, social inequality, and political repression. Formed by low-ranking military officers, the Derg quickly consolidated power through a coup d'état, promising radical reforms to address the country's challenges. Under its leader Mengistu Haile Mariam, the Derg implemented socialist policies, nationalized industries, and embarked on ambitious agrarian reforms, aiming to modernize Ethiopia and improve the lives of its citizens. However, the Derg's rule was characterized by brutal crackdowns on dissent, human rights abuses, and a devastating famine in the 1980s exacerbated by its policies and actions. The Red Terror campaign, in particular, resulted in widespread violence and thousands of extrajudicial killings. The Derg's legacy continues to impact Ethiopia, shaping its political dynamics and socio-economic conditions. Its abrupt end in 1991 following years of armed resistance and internal strife led to a new era in Ethiopian history, marked by efforts to reckon with the past and build a more inclusive and democratic society. #Derg #Ethiopia #MilitaryJunta #Reform #PoliticalUnrest #Legacy