Lt. Col. Mengistu Haile Mariam assumed power as head of state and Derg chairman, after having his two predecessors killed, as well as tens of thousands of other suspected opponents.
Oberstløjtnant Mengistu Haile Mariam tog magten som statens overhoved og formand i Derg efter at have fået to af sine forgængere dræbt, foruden flere tusinder af andre mistænkte modstandere.