The End of Communism

1990 - The Soviet Union began to retreat from building World Communism which meant a dramatic reduction in aid to Ethiopia from Socialist bloc countries until aid was stopped altogether.

1991 - The EPRDF overthrew Mengistu's regime and formed a provisional government in the capital, Addis Ababa. Mengistu fled to Zimbabwe.

1993 - Over 99% of the Eritrean people voted for independence from Ethiopia. Independence was declared but poor border demarcation let to military conflict.

1994 - A new federal constitution was implemented and in the following year, Ethiopia's first truly democratic elections were held with a landslide victory for the EPRDF. Meles Zenawi was elected the Prime Minister and Negasso Gidada was elected President.