Mengistu Haile Mariam

Mengistu Haile Mariam (born 1937) was the head of state of Ethiopia from 1977 to 1991. This period, during which the country was ruled by a one-party Marxist-Leninist government, was characterized by systematic repression of all political opposition.

Related Topics:
1937 - Ethiopia - 1977 - 1991 - One-party - Marxist-Leninist

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Mengistu was one of several soldiers who in 1974 overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie, whose regime had pursued some allegedly disastrous policies. The emperor died the following year, possibly strangled on orders from Mengistu himself. Although several groups were involved in the overthrow, the Derg (of which Mengistu was part) came out on top.

Related Topics:
1974 - Haile Selassie - Derg

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