CONFLICTED

Ethiopia Pt.3: The Shadow of the Derg

13 snips
Jan 29, 2025
Explore Ethiopia’s turbulent history from the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974 to the rise of the brutal Derg regime. Discover the horrifying Red Terror and its violent suppression of opposition, intertwined with Cold War politics and international intrigue. Learn about the catastrophic famine of the 1980s, driven by both natural disasters and authoritarian policies. The discussion also highlights the Ongoing Tigray War, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of Ethiopia's complex political landscape.
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ANECDOTE

Revolutions and Dictatorships

  • Ethiopians who cheered the 1974 revolution later regretted it, as the monarchy was replaced by a totalitarian regime.
  • This mirrors the 1979 Iranian Revolution and even the English Civil War, where dictatorships followed regicide.
INSIGHT

Mengistu's Rise

  • Mengistu Haile Mariam's resentment over racial injustice fueled his political ambition.
  • His rise to power involved consolidating control through violence and political maneuvering.
ANECDOTE

Eliminating Rivals

  • Mengistu's execution of 60 political figures echoes Saddam Hussein's Eternity Hall massacre.
  • Both leaders consolidated power by eliminating rivals within their own ranks.
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