Early chairman of the Derg
An Ethiopian officer who became Derg chairman in late 1974. He served as head of state during nationalization of land and major industries but could not contain the internal military struggle. He was killed in February 1977, after which Mengistu consolidated predominance.
Related historical events
State and economic-policy context
An Ethiopian officer who became Derg chairman in late 1974. He served as head of state during nationalization of land and major industries but could not contain the internal military struggle. He was killed in February 1977, after which Mengistu consolidated predominance.
Nationalization did not immediately turn every farmer into a state-farm employee. Household farming, peasant associations, cooperatives and state farms were distinct. Different tenure systems meant that southern tenants and northern holders of customary rights experienced reform differently.