Derg Downfall Day

What Is Derg Downfall Day?

Derg Downfall Day, known locally as Ginbot 20 (Ginbot being the ninth month of the Ethiopian calendar and 20 the day), commemorates the day the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) captured the capital, Addis Ababa, on 28 May 1991. This event marked the end of the Derg military regime’s rule and the conclusion of the Ethiopian Civil War. For nearly three decades following 1991, it was observed as a public holiday in Ethiopia, signifying a new political era.

The day serves as a remembrance of the profound political and social changes that occurred in Ethiopia during this period. It symbolises the cessation of a protracted conflict and the establishment of a new governmental structure. While no longer an official public holiday, its historical importance remains a subject of public discourse and historical study within Ethiopia.

History and Origins of Derg Downfall Day

The origins of Derg Downfall Day are rooted in the complex political landscape of 20th-century Ethiopia. In 1974, a military junta, later known as the Derg (Amharic for “committee” or “council”), overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie I, ending centuries of imperial rule. The Derg established a Marxist-Leninist state, embarking on a programme of nationalisation and social reorganisation.

During its rule, the Derg implemented a period of political repression known as the “Red Terror,” leading to the deaths and imprisonment of many political opponents. Concurrently, various armed resistance movements emerged, most notably the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The ensuing Ethiopian Civil War, exacerbated by widespread famine, lasted for years, causing immense suffering and displacement. The EPRDF’s capture of Addis Ababa on 28 May 1991 brought an end to this conflict and the Derg’s administration, leading to the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

How Derg Downfall Day Is Celebrated

Historically, when Derg Downfall Day was observed as a public holiday in Ethiopia, celebrations typically involved official ceremonies and public gatherings. These events often included military parades, political speeches from government officials, and cultural performances across the nation. The day was used to reflect on the sacrifices made during the civil war and to acknowledge the new political order established after 1991.

Since the change in government and the discontinuation of its status as an official public holiday, formal nationwide celebrations have largely ceased. However, the date remains a significant marker in Ethiopia’s modern history. For some communities and political groups, particularly those associated with the former ruling coalition, it continues to be a day of remembrance and reflection on the historical events of 1991. Discussions and analyses of the Derg era and its aftermath often take place in academic and media contexts around this time.

When Is Derg Downfall Day?

Derg Downfall Day is observed on a fixed date, 28 May, each year according to the Gregorian calendar. In the Ethiopian calendar, this corresponds to the 20th day of the month of Ginbot, which is why it is also commonly referred to as Ginbot 20. This consistent date allows for easy tracking of the historical anniversary.

There are no variations in its observance date between different regions within Ethiopia or between various calendar systems, as it is tied to a specific historical event on the Gregorian calendar. The date’s significance remains constant, irrespective of its official holiday status.

Derg Downfall Day Key Facts