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Ethiopia
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The United States supports Eritrea's federation with Ethiopia. Ethiopia thus gains direct access to the sea. In return for her support, the United States is granted a communications base in Asmara and naval facilities in Massawa.
Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia plays a leading role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity. He also tries to deal with internal unrest - these include border clashes with Somalia, and a guerrilla secessionist movement in Eritrea.
Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie is ousted by an army coup, led by Major Mengistu Haile Mariam. The Provisional Military Administrative Council, or Derg, run the country, with Mingistu as chairman. They establish Ethiopia as a socialist state.
Disagreements between the United States and Ethiopia over human rights abuse in Ethiopia lead to a split in U.S.-Ethiopian ties. The regime is weakened by the withdrawal of U.S. military aid.
Col. Mengistu Haile Mariam emerges as head of state of Ethiopia. He seeks Soviet aid. Under the Mengistu regime, thousands of political opponents are purged, property is confiscated, and defense spending is greatly increased.
Ethiopia, supported by the Soviet Union and Cuba, take back control over the Ogaden. Refugees flood from Ogaden into Somalia. Somalia breaks ties with the Soviet Union. In the meantime Ethiopia signs a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union.
The People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia elects Mengistu as president of Ethiopia. A new, Marxist-based constitution is approved.
The collapse of the Soviet bloc brings an end to the Mengistu government. An opposition group, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, takes control of the government.
With the new government's agreement, the rebellious region of Eritrea is declared independent of Ethiopia. Fighting continues to take place between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Ethiopia continues to face problems of famine and widespread poverty
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