15. Mengistu Haile Mariam: Ethiopia’s Red Terror
Mengistu Haile Mariam’s rule over Ethiopia (1977-1991) unleashed one of Africa’s bloodiest periods. His “Red Terror” campaign saw mass executions, torture, and the suppression of all opposition. Disastrous collectivization policies and forced relocations triggered widespread famine, causing untold suffering and death. Mengistu’s regime left Ethiopia deeply scarred, its people traumatized and its stability shattered for years to come. [Source: Human Rights Watch].
