Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia passed away on August 27, 1975, under mysterious circumstances, though many regard his reign as one of significant importance in Ethiopian history and beyond. He was deeply committed to modernizing Ethiopia, implementing reforms to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure. His leadership also saw efforts to end slavery in the country, which was officially abolished during his reign in the 1940s. On the international stage, Selassie was known for his advocacy for African unity and played a pivotal role in establishing the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.

His efforts to maintain Ethiopia’s sovereignty and resist foreign intervention, especially in the face of colonialism, also cemented his legacy. Haile Selassie was seen as a symbol of resistance, and he earned a significant following globally, including within the Rastafari movement, where he is considered a divine figure. His death marked the end of the imperial era in Ethiopia, and he was succeeded by a Marxist military regime that eventually led to the overthrow of the monarchy.