Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 1996
On 31 October 1996 the central emblem was modified: On the central stripe of the green-yellow-red flag it now features a larger and darker blue disk, symbolising peace, and a pentagram with rays emanating from its inner angles signifying “the bright prospect in sight for the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (of Ethiopia) united in their common will”. In 2009 the present flag was made mandatory and was no longer to be displayed without its emblem, although plain flags may still be seen.