The 1989 Ethiopian coup d'état attempt took place on 16 May 1989, when President of the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (PDRE) Mengistu Haile Mariam was out of the country for a four-day state visit to East Germany. The coup attempt was staged by senior military officers, led by former Air Force commander, Major General Fanta Belay and 2nd Army commander, Demessie Bulto; the Minister of Defense, Haile Giyorgis Habte Mariam, was killed by Major General Abera Abebe after refusing to join the revolt. Mengistu returned within 24 hours and nine generals, including the then-current Air Force commander and the Army Chief of Staff, died as the coup was crushed. After being captured, Major General Fanta Belay was killed while trying to escape. 12 more high-ranking military officers were executed in 1990 for their role in the coup attempt. References 1989 in Ethiopia 1980s coups d'état and coup attempts Attempted coups in Ethiopia May 1989 events in Africa Conflicts in 1989 1989 in military history