The Imperial Guard announced that the Emperor and his government were deposed, that Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen (Amha Selassie) would serve as a constitutional monarch, and that reforms would be implemented. The Imperial Army however came out in opposition to the coup as did the Imperial Air Force. The coup leaders, Brigadier General Mengistu Neway and his brother Girmame Neway sent emissaries to explain their acts to the Patriarch.