Tafari Benti19211977 was the president of Ethiopia from November 28, 1974 until February 3, 1977. He participated in the military coup of September 12, 1974, in which Emperor Haile Sellassie was deposed. He led the coup along with several other soldiers including Aman Mikael Andom and Mengistu Haile Mariam. Following the death of Andom two months later, and a 10-day period in which Haile Mariam was president, Benti became president. He died in office, either by committing suicide or by being killed by Haile Mariam, who succeeded him as leader and completed Ethiopia's transformation into a Marxist country until the fall of the military regime in 1991.
TafariBenti (1921 - 1977) was the president of Ethiopia (November 28, 1974 - February 3, 1977).
Following the death of Andom two months later, and a 10-day period in which Mengistu was president, Benti became president.
He died in office, either by committing suicide or by being killed by Mengistu, who succeeded him as leader and completed Ethiopia's transformation into a Marxist country until the fall of the military regime in 1991.