This collection analyses the approach taken by the current government of
Ethiopia to deal with the massive human rights violations that took
place from 1974 to 1991 under the Derg.
How was an autocratic emperor replaced by a totalitarian dictator?
An unexpected popular upsurge in February 1974 made the ancien regime of
Emperor Haile Selassie buckle. The Derg, a group of army officers led by
an obscure and ruthless major Mengistu Hailemariam, seized power by
military coup in September 1974 and removed the Emperor.
What was the 'red terror'?
The callous executions of members of the old regime initiated a cult of
violence. The Derg were united by the shedding of blood. Search and
destroy campaigns against militants led on to the full-blown 'red
terror' in which thousands of the regime's opponents were brutally
murdered in the streets.
In what way was 'transitional justice' administered?
The main officials were found guilty of genocide and crimes against
humanity by the Ethiopian Federal High Court and sentenced to life
imprisonment. Some of the minor officialshad already been sentenced to
death, whilst President Mugabe has given Mengistu Hailemariam sanctuary
in Zimbabwe.
KJETIL TRONVOLL is Professor in Human Rights, Peace and Conflict Studies
at the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, University of Oslo; CHARLES
SCHAEFER is Associate Professor of African History, Valparaiso
University; GIRMACHEW ALEMU ANEME is a Research Fellow at the Norwegian
Centre for Human Rights, University of Oslo.
