Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum, Addis Ababa

The Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum was established in 2010 to commemorate the victims of the Derg Regime led by Mengistu Haile Mariam. During this period, estimated casualties range from 500,000 to 750,000, marking a grim chapter in Ethiopian history.

The museum serves as a tribute to those who resisted the oppressive military campaign of the dictatorship. Inside, visitors encounter a somber collection of coffins, blood-stained garments, and poignant images that narrate the harrowing events of the era.

A significant section of the museum houses glass-fronted partitions showcasing the remains and personal effects of individuals slain by the regime, with some displays even featuring the very ropes used for strangulation. Each partition is accompanied by a photograph of the victim, adding a personal dimension to the tragedy.

The peak of Ethiopia's Red Terror occurred between 1977 and 1978, during which individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds fell victim to torture and execution as part of the regime's ruthless purge of perceived dissenters. Many were subjected to torture before being left to die in the streets.

Some of the museum guides themselves are survivors of the terror, offering firsthand accounts of the atrocities depicted in the exhibits, often portrayed vividly through lifelike mannequins.

Admission to the museum is free, though donations are encouraged to support its maintenance. After experiencing the poignant displays within its walls, visitors may find it difficult not to contribute generously to this poignant memorial.