Ethiopia History Coup d'état, 1960

A coup d'état was attempted against Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia on 13 December 1960 by the Council of the Revolution, a cabal of four conspirators led by brothers Germame Neway and Brigadier General Mengistu Neway, commander of the Kebur Zabagna (Imperial Guard). They sought to overthrow the emperor during a state visit to Brazil in order to install a progressive government. The coup leaders aimed to install a new government to be nominally under the rule of Haile Selassie's eldest son, Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen, which would address the increasing economic and social problems the Ethiopian Empire was facing. Rebels gained control of most of the capital city, Addis Ababa, and took several ministers and other important people hostage. The coup was put down following a violent confrontation with the imperial army and air force. After its initial success, the majority of the military and populace quickly aligned against the coup, and by 17 December loyalists had regained control of Addis Ababa. At least 300 people were killed during the coup, including most of the conspirators. The coup attempt is considered the most serious threat to Haile Selassie's rule between 1941 and his deposition in 1974 during the Ethiopian Revolution.