with the Derg and assisted in combatting suspected EPRP supporters. But later in 1977, the Derg turned on MEISON, fearing its membership was more loyal to the party than it was to the Derg. In August 1977, most of MEISON's domestic leadership including its chairman Haile Fida, quickly went underground and Haile attempted to flee Addis Ababa to his home province of Welega, but all were arrested and later executed. All other high-ranking MEISON members were removed from their government posts, and the Derg soon launched a bloody campaign against rural MEISON supporters. Like the EPRP, MEISON is now a member of the UEDF coalition. Notes External links Meison website The Mengistu Regime and Its Impact, United States Country Studies Program, formerly the Army Area Handbook (1991) 1976 establishments in Ethiopia Communist parties in Ethiopia Factions of the Ethiopian Civil War Political parties established in 1976 Political parties in Ethiopia Rebel groups in Ethiopia