Everything Mengistu has done since 1977 has been to place himself in a position of uncontestable power. Neither Haile Selassie nor any of the previous emperors had this insatiable thirst for power.
Mengistu Haile MariamMengistu is a barbaric and cruel creature who becomes happy with the death of human beings.
Mengistu Haile MariamEthiopia did not have the same problem [of corruption]. African leaders looked at us with envy.
Mengistu Haile MariamIn this country, some aristocratic families automatically categorize persons with dark skin, thick lips, and kinky hair as "Barias" [Amharic for slave]... let it be clear to everybody that I shall soon make these ignoramuses stoop and grind corn!
Mengistu Haile Mariam