20th century – 20th century
Ethiopia
The Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was the state established under Ethiopia’s 1987 constitution after thirteen years of military rule. It introduced a formally civilian government and an elected National Shengo, but former Derg members continued to direct the country under new titles. The extract places its later development within the international changes surrounding the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
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The Story
The transition to the Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Ethiopia followed the Derg’s effort to construct a civilian political framework. COPWE was created to organize a workers’ party, and the Workers’ Party of Ethiopia replaced it in 1984. A new constitution was then submitted to the public for suggestions and debate before being approved in 1987.
In September 1987, Ethiopia officially became the Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The constitution provided for a civilian government, and the Ethiopian people elected the National Shengo, or National Assembly. Kebeles and peasant associations were assigned the task of publicizing the constitution and facilitating discussion around it.
The new political form did not necessarily represent a fundamental change in power. Many members of the former Derg continued to run the government with different titles, while citizens criticized the limited opportunity for open discussion and dissent. Some critics considered the constitution poorly adapted to Ethiopian needs and described it as little more than a revised Soviet Constitution.
20th century – 20th century
Ethiopia
The Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was the state established under Ethiopia’s 1987 constitution after thirteen years of military rule. It introduced a formally civilian government and an elected National Shengo, but former Derg members continued to direct the country under new titles. The extract places its later development within the international changes surrounding the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Continue exploring
The Story
The transition to the Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Ethiopia followed the Derg’s effort to construct a civilian political framework. COPWE was created to organize a workers’ party, and the Workers’ Party of Ethiopia replaced it in 1984. A new constitution was then submitted to the public for suggestions and debate before being approved in 1987.
In September 1987, Ethiopia officially became the Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The constitution provided for a civilian government, and the Ethiopian people elected the National Shengo, or National Assembly. Kebeles and peasant associations were assigned the task of publicizing the constitution and facilitating discussion around it.
The new political form did not necessarily represent a fundamental change in power. Many members of the former Derg continued to run the government with different titles, while citizens criticized the limited opportunity for open discussion and dissent. Some critics considered the constitution poorly adapted to Ethiopian needs and described it as little more than a revised Soviet Constitution.
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