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1989 Ethiopian coup d'état attempt
Location Ethiopia AU Africa
Date16 May 1989
LocationAddis Ababa, People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
9°1′48″N 38°44′24″E / 9.03°N 38.74°E / 9.03; 38.74Coordinates: 9°1′48″N 38°44′24″E / 9.03°N 38.74°E / 9.03; 38.74
Result

Coup attempt fails.

Belligerents
Flag of Ethiopia (1987–1991) Government Military faction
Commanders and leaders
Mengistu Haile Mariam Demessie Bulto
Fanta Belay

The 1989 Ethiopian coup d'état attempt took place on May 16, 1989,[1][2] while President of the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (PDRE) Mengistu Haile Mariam was out of the country for a four-day state visit to the German Democratic Republic (GDR/DDR, East Germany).

The coup attempt was staged by senior military officers, led by former Ethiopian Air force commander, Major General Fanta Belay; the Minister of Defense, Haile Giyorgis Habte Mariam, was killed by Major General Abera Abebe after refusing to join the revolt. Mengistu returned within 24 hours and nine generals, including the then-current Air Force Commander and the Army Chief of Staff, died as the coup was crushed.[3][4] 12 more high-ranking military officers were executed in 1990 for their role in the coup attempt. After being captured, Major General Fanta Belay was killed while trying to escape.[5]

References[]

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