The announcements crackling over Radio Ethiopia last week were terse and chilling. A mid-morning Shootout had taken place at the columned palace, once the residence of Emperor Haile Selassie and since 1974 occupied by the Dergue, the committee of army officers that overthrew the legendary lion. The shooting was shortly followed by an announcement of the execution of Brigadier General Teferi Benti, 55, Ethiopia's chief of state, and eight of his supporters in the Dergue. Significantly, the broadcasts took pains to mention that the two most powerful members of the Dergue, Lieut. Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam and Lieut. Colonel...
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