DERG REGIME (1974-1991)

INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………
1.1 THE NATURE OF DERG REGIME…………………………………………
1.2. IDEOLOGY .....................................................................................................
1.3. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF THE REGIME
1.4. FOREIGN POLICY OBJECTIVES OF THE REGIMEF
1.4.1 SHORT-RANGE OBJECTIVES
1.4.2. MIDDLE RANGE OBJECTIVES
1.4.3. LONG-RANGE OBJECTIVES
1.5 KEY REFORMS ..............................................................................................
1.6. CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE TIME .................................................................
2.7. CHALLENGES OF REGIME ................................................................................
1.8. CRITICISM OF THE REGIME……………………………………………….
1.9. FACTORS FOR THE FALL OF THE REGIME
1.9.1. INTERNAL FACTOR
1.9. 2. EXTERNAL FACTOR
CONCLUSION
REFERENCE
DERG REGIME (1974-1991)
INTRODUCTION
The Derg regime, spanning from 1974 to 1991, stands as a pivotal period in Ethiopian history,
marked by radical political upheaval, social transformation, and profound human suffering.
Emerging from a backdrop of widespread discontent, economic turmoil, and political repression
under Emperor Haile Selassie's rule, the Derg's ascension to power promised to usher in an era of
social justice and equality. However, what ensued was a tumultuous chapter characterized by
authoritarianism, state violence, and economic mismanagement, leaving an indelible mark on
Ethiopia's societal fabric. The government of the Derg consisted of Unitary Marxist-Leninist
one-party system with communist and later socialist ideology. Opposing feudal system of
Ethiopia, it abolished land tenure and began sweeping land reform under Land Reform
Proclamation. The Derg regime sought to implement a state-controlled economy, redistribute
land, and promote social equality. Its ideology emphasized the empowerment of the working
class, the nationalization of key industries, and the pursuit of self-reliance. The regime's Marxist-
Leninist ideology also entailed ideological indoctrination, centralization of power, and efforts to
eliminate perceived class distinctions. This ideological framework aimed to reshape Ethiopia's
socio-economic foundations. Under the Derg regime significant reforms were enacted to align
the country with socialist principles and revolutionary change. These reforms aimed to reshape
the socio-economic landscape, restructure governance, and promote ideological transformation.
In this assignment, we begin with the nature, ideology, international relation, foreign policy
objectives, key reforms, contributions of the time, challenges, criticism, and factors for the fall of
the Derg regime.
The Nature, revolution and opponents of Derg Regime
The Derg was established on 21 June 1974 as the Coordinating Committee of the Armed Forces,
Police and Territorial Army, by officers of the Imperial Ethiopian Army and members of the
police led initially by chairman Mengistu Haile Mariam. On 12 September 1974, the Derg
overthrew the government of the Ethiopian Empire and Emperor Haile Selassie during
nationwide mass protests, and three days later formally renamed itself the Provisional Military
Administrative Council (PMAC) and ruled the country until 1991, with political upheavals and
civil wars for most of its 17 years. The main reason Derg rose to power was the exposure of
television documentary by broadcast of a British Broadcasting Company3. This documentary
depicted the catastrophic effects of drought and starvation while comparing the elite's living
conditions. This exposure resulted in prompting the Derg to stage a coup. As a result, the
Ethiopian imperial government ended on September 12 in 1974 and was replaced by the Derg.
The political settlement during 1974–91 had three major phases. The first phase, the
mobilization phase (1974-78) started with the toppling of the old regime, and was characterized
by the struggle for power of the different actors involved in the revolution. The regime was at
this time mainly concerned with its survival. The second phase, the campaign phase (period
(1978-1984) saw the emergence of the main traits of the regime, such as centralization and
collectivization, although state institutions were still at an embryonic state. The third period, the
plan period (1984-1991) was characterized by the establishment of socialist institutions, as well
as the scaling-up of planning efforts.

In March 1975 the Derg abolished the monarchy and established Ethiopia as a Marxist-Leninist
state(unitary state) with itself as the vanguard party in a provisional government. The abolition of
feudalism, increased literacy, nationalization, and sweeping land reform including the
resettlement and villagization from the Ethiopian Highlands became priorities. Mengistu became
chairman in 1977, launching the Red Terror (Qey Shibir) political repression campaign to
eliminate political opponents with tens of thousands imprisoned and executed without trial.
In February 1977 Mengistu (now a lieutenant colonel) survived a battle between his supporters
and those of rivals on the PMAC. Andom and several other members were killed, and Mengistu
seized complete power as chairman and head of state.
A series of EPRP attacks against Derg members and their supporters, known as the White Terror,
was countered by Mengistu’s Red Terror, a bloody campaign that crushed armed opponents
among the EPRP and other groups, as well as members of the civilian populace. As a result of
the campaign, which continued into 1978, thousands of Ethiopia’s best-educated and idealistic
young people were killed or exiled; in all, as many as 100,000 people were killed, and thousands
more were tortured or imprisoned.

By the mid-1980s, Ethiopia was plagued by multiple issues, such as droughts, economic decline
and increasing reliance on foreign aid, recovering from the Ogaden War, and the 1983–1985
famine from which the Derg itself estimated more than a million deaths during its time in
power. Conflicts between the Derg and various ethnic militias saw a gradual resurgence,
particularly the Ethiopian Civil War and the Eritrean War of Independence. Mengistu abolished
the Derg in 1987 and formed the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia led by the Workers'
Party of Ethiopia, with a new government containing civilians but still dominated by members of
the Derg. In 1987 the government promulgated its own constitution. This constitution has 7
chapters and 119 articles. Unlike its predecessors, this constitution highlights the sovereignty of
the constitution, stating that the constitution is the supreme law of the country and the base for
establishing and administering the country. The constitution changed the system of government
from the monarchy system to a republican form of government. The 1987 PDRE constitution
also introduced the idea of secularism or the separation of state and religion for the first time in
Ethiopia. During the imperial regime there was no separation of state and religion or secular
system of government. By the end of the 1980s, however, Mariam's regime was facing
international disapproval and declining financial and military aid from the Soviet Union. In 1989,
several liberation movements took advantage of the opportunity to join forces forming the
Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). This consisted of the Tigrayan
People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the Ethiopian People's Democratic Movement (EPDM), and
several smaller allied groups (EPRDF).
In May 1991, while the last negotiations were going on in London, series of events put an end to
the regime. i.e:- On May 21, Mengistu fled the country first to Nairobi and then to Harare
(Zimbabwe) with five family members and Workers' Party leaders.
Ideology of the regime
The government adopted the Marxist-Leninist ideology and declared socialism to be at the core
of its political-economic policies. Given this, the regime embraced the maximalist view of the
state (Adejumobi, 2007, p. 120). and it was characterized by its commitment to central planning,
nationalization of key industries, land reform, and the elimination of class distinctions and was
implemented through a series of radical policies as well including the nationalization of land and
industries, the establishment of state farms and cooperatives, and the suppression of political
opposition.
International relation
The Derg ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1987. During this time the country underwent through
some significant changes, both domestically and internationally. Here are some key aspects of
the
Derg’s international relations:
1. Cold War dynamics: During the Derg regime, Ethiopia was caught in the middle of the
Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Derg initially
aligned itself with the Soviet Union and other socialist countries, but later shifted towards
the United States in an attempt to gain support for their war efforts against Somalia.
2. African unity: The Derg was a proponent of African unity and played an active role in
the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now called the African Union. Ethiopia was a
founding member of the OAU in 1963 and hosted its headquarters in Addis Ababa. The
Derg government’s emphasis on Pan- Africanism led to Ethiopia being seen as a leader in
the continent.
3. Conflict with Somalia: The Derg government engaged in a conflict with its neighbor
Somalia which took place from 1977 to 1978 known as the Ogaden War. The war was
mostly fought on Ethiopian soil and was supported by the Soviet Union, Cuba and other
Eastern bloc countries. Somalia was backed by the United States and several Arab
countries. The war ended with a stalemate and Ethiopia regained control of the Ogaden
region. The war had a significant impact on Derg foreign policy, and led to a deterioration
in relations with Somalia.
4. Refugee crisis: The Derg’s rule was marked by a major refugee crisis, as hundreds of
thousands of Ethiopians fled the country due to political and economic instability. Many
of these refugees sought asylum in neighboring countries such as Sudan and Kenya.
5. Communist bloc relations: The Derg was closely aligned with the Eastern bloc (also
known as the Communist bloc) and received significant military and economic assistance
from the Soviet Union, Cuba and North Korea. The Derg’s Marxist-Leninist ideology and
antiimperialist stance resonated with these countries.
Overall, the Derg’s international relations were shaped by its alignment with socialism, its desire
for African unity, and its conflict with Somalia. The strife and instability caused by the regime
contributed to a major refugee crisis, while its close ties to the communist bloc countries has left
a lasting legacy on Ethiopia’s relationships with other states.
Foreign policy objective of the regime
Initially, the Derg’s foreign policy objectives were to maintain Ethiopia’s sovereignty and
independence, promote African unity, and reduce the influence of foreign powers in Ethiopian
affairs. However, as the Derg consolidated its power, its foreign policy objectives became
more ideologically driven and aligned with other communist countries.
1. Promoting socialist revolution in Africa: The Derg believed in spreading socialism
throughout Africa and actively supported revolutionary movements in neighboring
countries such as Somalia and Sudan.
2. Reducing the influence of Western powers: The Derg was suspicious of Western
influence in Ethiopia and sought to reduce their involvement in Ethiopian affairs. The
government began to align itself more closely with the Soviet Union and other communist
countries.
3. Promoting non-alignment and African unity: The Derg supported the Non-Aligned
Movement and sought to promote African unity. It played a leading role in the
establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and sought to play an active
role in its affairs.
4. Supporting liberation movements: The Derg provided support to various liberation
movements in Africa, including those fighting against apartheid in South Africa and
Rhodesia.
5. Strengthening ties with socialist countries: The Derg sought to strengthen relations
with other socialist countries, particularly the Soviet Union, Cuba, and East Germany. It
received significant military, economic and technical assistance from these countries.
Short-range objectives:
1. To secure recognition and legitimacy from neighboring countries and important
international organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union.
2. To secure weapons and financial aid from its allies, especially the Soviet Union and
Cuba, to fight against the Eritrean and Tigrayan liberation movements.
 3. To crush opposition groups and create a one-party state to ensure the stability of the
regime.
Middle-range objectives:
1. To maintain a non-aligned policy towards the superpower rivalry between the Soviet
Union and the United States and play a leading role in the Non-Aligned Movement.
2. To strengthen economic ties with socialist and developing countries, especially in Africa
and the Middle East.
3. To play a leading role in regional politics and promote the unity and cooperation of
African states.
Long-range objectives:
1. To establish a socialist economic system and promote self-reliance and economic
independence.
2. To promote Pan-Africanism and African unity, and create a united, socialist Africa.
3. To play a leading role in the international socialist movement and promote the
overthrow of capitalist regimes around the world.
Overall, the Derg's foreign policy objectives were driven by its Marxist- Leninist ideology and
its desire to spread socialist revolution throughout Africa. Its alignment with other communist
countries led to a severe strain in relations with the West, particularly the United
States.
Role of the Soviet Union in Derg foreign policy
The Soviet Union played a significant role in Derg foreign policy. The Derg established close ties
with the Soviet Union, which provided military and economic aid to Ethiopia. The Soviet Union
also played a key role in the Ethiopian-Somali War, providing military support to Ethiopia. The
Derg's ties with the Soviet Union were an important factor in its foreign policy, and the regime
saw the Soviet Union as a key ally in the region.

2.3 KEY REFORMS

Education Reforms:
Under the Derg regime, the education sector was overhauled to align with Marxist-Leninist
ideology. Under the Derg, there was a notable expansion of education infrastructure, with
increased access to schools and educational opportunities for many Ethiopians, particularly in
rural areas by building schools and increasing enrollment rates, which contributed to a more
educated populace. An educational programme called zemecha was carried out, with the official
aim to improve literacy.
Civil Service and Governance Reforms:
The Derg implemented extensive reforms within the civil service and governance structures. This
included the centralization of power, the establishment of revolutionary committees at
various administrative levels, and the restructuring of state institutions to conform to Marxist-
Leninist principles. The Derg regime was also known for expanding the state apparatus,
restructuring the cabinet, and amending the salary scale of the civil service (Chanie, 2001).
Imitating the nomenclature systems of socialist states, the regime established parallel
government networks and party bodies down to the level of the kebele or peasant association,
and all were controlled by the functionaries of the Workers’ Party of Ethiopia. The Derg also
established a long-lasting 25-cadre system of party control over the state bureaucracy’s
economic-financial, military, and administrative sectors (Abegaz, 2001).
3. Health Care Initiatives: The regime initiated various health care programs and infrastructure
projects, including the construction of hospitals and clinics, aimed at improving healthcare
accessibility including the establishment of health centers and the training of healthcare workers
and reducing disease burden across the country.
Economic Reforms:
Economic policies during the Derg regime centered on state-controlled economic restructuring.
Each of these areas of reform reflected the Derg regime's commitment to reshaping Ethiopia
along socialist principles, especially Marxist-Leninist ideology, and addressing perceived socio-
economic injustices.
2.4 CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE TIME
The Derg made several contributions and implemented various policies during its time in power,
including:
Land Reform: The Derg implemented radical land reforms aimed at redistributing land from
large landowners to peasants.
Nationalization of Industries: The Derg nationalized major industries, banks, and commercial
enterprises as part of its socialist economic policies.
Infrastructure Development: The government undertook infrastructure projects, such as road
construction and irrigation systems, to improve transportation and agricultural productivity.
Promotion of Gender Equality: The Derg introduced policies aimed at promoting gender
equality and women's rights. It encouraged women's participation in education, employment, and
political life.
Promotion of secularism in its 1987 constitution for the first time in Ethiopian history.
The abolition of feudalism,

2.5 CHALLENGES OF REGIME

During its rule the Derg regime in Ethiopia faced numerous challenges, including:
Economic Mismanagement: The Derg's socialist policies and nationalization of
industries led to economic stagnation and widespread poverty.
Famine and Drought: The regime's inability to effectively manage food production and
distribution resulted in devastating famines.
Human Rights Abuses: The Derg regime was notorious for its brutal suppression of
political dissent, torture, and extrajudicial killings. This led to widespread human rights
violations and a climate of fear among the population.
Insurgency and Civil War: The regime faced armed opposition from various groups, including
the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and other rebel forces.
International Isolation: The Derg's human rights abuses and support for international
terrorism and its alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War led to its isolation from
such of the international community.
2.6 Criticisms
The Derg, or the Provisional Military Government of Socialist Ethiopia, faced significant
criticism for its authoritarian rule and human rights abuses during its time in power. Some of the
main criticisms of the Derg include:
Political Repression: The Derg was known for its brutal suppression of political dissent
and opposition groups.
Red Terror: The Derg's "Red Terror" campaign.
Famine Response: The Derg's handling of the famine in Ethiopia has been heavily
criticized.
Economic Mismanagement: Despite its efforts at land reform and nationalization of
industries, the Derg's socialist economic policies were criticized for contributing to
economic stagnation, inefficiency, and a decline in living standards for many Ethiopians.
Lack of Democratic Governance: The Derg's authoritarian rule and lack of democratic
governance were major points of criticism.
The Downfall of Derg
The fall of the Derg regime in Ethiopia in 1991 was primarily due to a combination of internal
and external factors.
Internal factors
Human Rights Abuses: The Derg's authoritarian rule was marked by severe human rights
abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and political repression. These actions generated
widespread resentment and resistance among the Ethiopian population.
Nationalist Movements: Various nationalist movements, particularly in the northern regions of
Eritrea and Tigray, opposed the Derg's centralized rule and fought for greater autonomy. These
movements gained momentum and support over time, further destabilizing the regime.
Armed Resistance Movements: The Derg faced armed opposition from multiple fronts. The
Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), composed of rebel groups such as
the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), waged a guerrilla war against the Derg. This armed
resistance weakened the regime and eventually led to its downfall. Various armed resistance
movements, including the Tigray People's Liberation.
Internal Strife and Opposition: The Derg regime faced significant internal opposition
from various groups within Ethiopia. This included political dissidents, ethnic minorities, and
other factions that were marginalized or oppressed by the government. The lack of unity within
the country contributed to the regime's downfall as these groups organized and mobilized against
the Derg.
Leadership Crisis: The leadership of Mengistu Haile Mariam, who headed the Derg regime,
was marked by authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and a lack of popular support.
Lack of Political Legitimacy: The Derg seized power through a military coup and failed to
establish a legitimate government, leading to widespread discontent.
Externally
International Pressure and isolation: The Derg's human rights abuses and regional conflicts
drew international condemnation. The Soviet Union, which initially supported the regime,
withdrew its support in the late 1980s. This loss of international backing isolated the Derg and
further weakened its position. In addition, the Derg's Marxist-Leninist ideology and support for
communist movements in the region resulted in international isolation. Western countries,
particularly the United States, distanced themselves from the regime, which limited its access to
foreign aid and economic assistance.
Collapse of the Soviet Union: The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 meant an
abrupt end to the financial and military aid that had propped up the Derg regime, making
it difficult to sustain its military campaigns and control over the country. - The end of the
Cold War saw a dramatic reduction in the support provided by the Soviet Union, which
had been a crucial ally in terms of military hardware, training, and economic aid. -
Without Soviet support, the Derg was unable to maintain its military apparatus or manage
the economy effectively.
Summary
The Derg regime, which ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1991, was a period characterized by
authoritarian governance, economic mismanagement, and widespread human rights abuses. Led
by a committee of military officers, the regime came to power through a coup d'état that ousted
Emperor Haile Selassie. Initially promising social justice and equality, the Derg implemented
radical socialist policies, including land reforms and nationalization of key industries, in an
attempt to address socio-economic inequalities. However, these policies led to economic
stagnation, food shortages, and hyperinflation, exacerbating social unrest and discontent. One of
the key features of Ethiopia's foreign policy during the Derg regime was its close relationship
with the Soviet Union and the established close ties with other socialist countries such as Cuba,
North Korea, and China.
Moreover, Ethiopia's foreign policy during this regime was largely characterized by a focus on
maintaining independence and sovereignty, promoting regional stability, and strengthening ties
with other African nations. The regime's rule was marked by systematic repression of political
opponents, intellectuals, and ethnic groups, with mass arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings
common. The Derg's attempts to suppress dissent fueled armed resistance movements, notably
the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) and the Tigray People's Liberation Front
(TPLF), which eventually formed part of the coalition that overthrew the regime.
Internationally, the Derg faced isolation due to its human rights abuses, involvement in regional
conflicts, and alignment with communist powers during the Cold War. The collapse of the Soviet
Union in 1991 further weakened the regime, leading to its eventual downfall. The Derg regime's
legacy is one of political repression, economic hardship, and social upheaval. Despite some
attempts at social reform, its authoritarian rule and policies of coercion ultimately resulted in
significant human suffering and contributed to Ethiopia's enduring challenges in building a
democratic and prosperous society.