The Fall of the Military Regime in Ethiopia

Flag of EthiopiaIn early 1974, army units stationed in Asmara rebelled. They demanded an increase in cash allowance. Soon military units from other parts of the country joined the rebels. Now the rebels’ goal was the resignation of the government. The military was supported by workers and students.

Although the emperor complied with these demands, in the next few months he lost all real power, which passed to the military. The military dissolved the civilian government and created its own provisional military government.

In July 1991, a national conference was held to discuss Ethiopia’s political future and form a transitional government.

As a result of her work, it was decided that a State Council consisting of 87 representatives from 20 political groups and ethnic organizations would be created to lead the country during a two-year transition period. The council has approved NLF leader Meles Zenavi as head of the Transitional Government.

In 1991, by decree of the new government, the territory of Ethiopia was divided into 14 administrative districts headed by a local administration with limited powers to administer the regions.