Ethiopia

Ethiopia
Halie Salassie:
1930–1974                44 years                1936
1916 Haile Selassie was young nobleman appointed regent to emperor’s daughter when she became empress.
1928 he assumed title of “king.”
1930 she died and he proclaimed himself “emperor,” descended from King Solomon.
1931 He renders parliament useless.
1935–1941 Italy invades and occupies Ethiopia forcing him into exile.
1955 He issues new constitution giving him all authority.
1960 Survives unsuccessful army revolt.
1974 Is deposed by military.
1975 Died senile under house arrest in his palace.
Died 1975, age 83.
Major Haile Mengistu:
1974–1991                17 years                1980
1974 He executes 60 prior leaders.
1984 & 1991 Mass airlifts of 25,000 Ethiopian Jews from Ethiopia.
1991, As rebel army reaches the capital, he flees.

Meles Zenawi:
1991–2006                15 years                1997
In by rebel army.
1994 Severe famine and stagnant economy.
Per-capita income $100.
Of population of 65 million, 40 million are illiterate.
Thousands of opponents and journalists jailed without trial.
2003: He admits 15 million are starving to death.





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