The first President of Ethiopia was Mengistu Haile Mariam, who served from 1974 to 1991.
Background and History:
- Mengistu Haile Mariam was born on May 21, 1937, in Wolaita, Ethiopia.
- He joined the Ethiopian Army at a young age and rose through the ranks quickly.
- In 1974, he became the leader of a military coup that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie and established a military government.
Ethnicity:
- Mengistu Haile Mariam was an ethnic Wolaita, a subgroup of the Oromo people.
- The Wolaita people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia, and they have a long history of political and economic marginalization.
Achievements and Legacy:
- Mengistu Haile Mariam’s government implemented a number of socialist policies, including land reform and the nationalization of industries.
- He also led Ethiopia’s efforts to defeat the Somali invasion of the Ogaden region in 1977-1978.
- However, Mengistu’s government was also responsible for widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
- In 1991, Mengistu was overthrown by a rebel coalition and fled to exile in Zimbabwe, where he died in 2021.
Popular Beliefs:
- Mengistu Haile Mariam is often remembered as a ruthless dictator who was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Ethiopians.
- However, he is also credited with modernizing the Ethiopian economy and improving the country’s infrastructure.
- He remains a controversial figure in Ethiopian history, and his legacy is still being debated today.
Emblem of Ethiopia
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Eswatini, Estonia and Eritrea. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
The official residence and symbol of the Ethiopia President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Ethiopia’s History
Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, has had several notable presidents since gaining independence in 1991. Here are 10 of the most popular presidents in Ethiopian history:
- 1. Meles Zenawi (1991-2012): Meles Zenawi served as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia for over two decades. Under his leadership, Ethiopia experienced rapid economic growth and modernization.
- 2. Hailemariam Desalegn (2012-2018): Hailemariam Desalegn succeeded Meles Zenawi as Ethiopia’s Prime Minister and played a crucial role in bringing about political stability and overseeing economic reforms.
- 3. Mulatu Teshome (2013-2018): Mulatu Teshome served as the President of Ethiopia during a period of significant socio-political changes. He played a pivotal role in fostering relations with other countries.
- 4. Sahle-Work Zewde (2018-present): Sahle-Work Zewde became Ethiopia’s first female President in 2018. She has dedicated herself to promoting gender equality and empowering women.
- 5. Mengistu Haile Mariam (1977-1991): Mengistu Haile Mariam assumed power during a military coup and served as the head of state in Ethiopia for 17 years. His presidency was marked by political repression and economic challenges.
- 6. Negasso Gidada (1995-2001): Negasso Gidada was elected as Ethiopia’s President in 1995. He was known for advocating for democratic reforms and human rights during his tenure.
- 7. Girma Wolde-Giorgis (2001-2013): Girma Wolde-Giorgis served two terms as Ethiopia’s President. He played a significant role in promoting peace and reconciliation among different ethnic groups.
- 8. Tafari Makonnen (1930-1974): Tafari Makonnen, better known as Emperor Haile Selassie, was the last Emperor of Ethiopia. He modernized the country and played a crucial role in building international relations.
- 9. Lemma Megersa (2018-present): As the President of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia, Lemma Megersa has gained popularity for his efforts in advocating for the rights of the Oromo people and championing regional development.
- 10. Abiy Ahmed (2018-present): Abiy Ahmed became Prime Minister of Ethiopia in 2018. His leadership has been marked by ambitious reforms, including peace initiatives with neighboring countries and political liberalization within Ethiopia.
These are just a few of the popular presidents in Ethiopia’s history, each making significant contributions to the country’s development and political landscape.
