The capture of Addis Ababa by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) marked a significant turning point in Ethiopia’s history. The EPRDF, comprised mainly of ethnic-based solidifications, had been engaged in a protracted civil war against the Derg, a Marxist-Leninist military junta that had ruled Ethiopia since 1974. The EPRDF launched an intense offensive in the northern provinces, gradually weakening Derg forces. By May 1991, they had garnered enough support to escalate their campaign, leading to a major push toward the capital.

As EPRDF fighters entered Addis Ababa, they were met with little resistance, partly due to the demoralization of Derg troops and the unwillingness of many government officials to fight in the face of inevitable defeat. The fall of the capital was not only a military victory but also a symbolic moment; it represented the end of repressive governance that had sustained the nation through years of turmoil, oppression, and civil war. Derg leaders, including Mengistu Haile Mariam, fled the city, marking a dramatic shift in power and a new chapter for Ethiopia.

The aftermath of the EPRDF’s victory led to significant political and social changes in Ethiopia. The Derg regime’s demise initiated a challenging transition toward a multi-party democracy and the establishment of a federal system that recognized Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups. These shifts aimed at bringing stability and peace to a nation long embroiled in conflict, but the initial years were marked by difficulties, including ongoing ethnic tensions and economic challenges. The event was the culmination of deep social upheaval and set the stage for subsequent changes in governance and policy in the country.