History of the Red Terror (Ethiopia)

The Red Terror (Ethiopia) (Qey Shibir) was a violent political repression campaign in Ethiopia during the Derg regime, primarily targeting perceived enemies of the revolution, including members of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) and other opposition groups. It officially began in 1976, following a period of political instability and infighting within the Derg (the Provisional Military Administrative Council that ruled Ethiopia). The Red Terror was spearheaded by Mengistu Haile Mariam, who consolidated power within the Derg.

The campaign's stated aim was to eliminate counter-revolutionaries and solidify the Derg's control. This was achieved through widespread violence, including extrajudicial killings, torture, imprisonment, and forced disappearances. Neighborhood watch groups known as "Kebeles" were often instrumental in identifying and apprehending suspected opposition members. Propaganda played a significant role in demonizing the EPRP and other groups, labeling them as enemies of the people.

The scale of the Red Terror is difficult to ascertain precisely due to the lack of transparency and the destruction of records. Estimates of the death toll range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand. The EPRP, originally an ally of the Derg, became a primary target after ideological differences emerged and the two factions engaged in armed conflict. Many students, intellectuals, and suspected sympathizers were also targeted.

The Red Terror had a profound and lasting impact on Ethiopian society. It instilled a climate of fear and suspicion, suppressed dissent, and contributed to a culture of violence. The legacy of the Red Terror continues to be a source of trauma and division within Ethiopian society. While the Derg regime ended in 1991, efforts to bring perpetrators of the Red Terror to justice have been ongoing, although slow and often controversial. Numerous individuals were tried and convicted in absentia, and some have been extradited from other countries to face charges. The aftermath of the Red Terror continues to shape Ethiopia's political and social landscape.