Former chieff of Derg, killed by mengistu. Tafari Benti (Ge'ez: ተፈሪ በንቲ; October 1921 – 3 February 1977) was the Head of State of Ethiopia (28 November 1974 – 3 February 1977) was an Ethiopian politician who served as chairman of the Derg, the ruling military junta. His official title was Chairman of the Provisional Military Administrative Council.