Africa Unite

Liberation Heroes continues this week and next, with special focus on the 'Great patron father' of Africa's liberation heroes - fathers of their respective nations in their own right. This man was (and still is to many) a larger than life figure - a charismatic monarch whose personality has literally assumed supernatural dimensions. Africa Unites, Liberation Heroes, is pleased to present: this week and next, King of Kings, Haile Sellasie I, Emperor of Ethiopia.

Liberation Heroes

The last king of kings
History will remember Emperor Haile Sellasie I as civilization's last king of kings. This fascinating man-dimumitive in physical stature, was virtually omnipotent in the eyes of his subjects _ and these were not only the Ethiopian people, to whom Abbaba Jan Hoy (Our Father His Great Magnificence) was 'Seyume Egzabehair' - (God's Chosen). Haile Sellasie, during his long lifetime and also continuing in death _ has been the symbolic Emperor, in keeping with the tradition of his 311 predecessors, of the black race - whether at home in Africa or throughout the far flung diaspora. Haile Sellasie, never omitted to highlight the Pan African ideal and his passionate vision was of a strong, united continent, once and forever unshackled from colonialism, neo colonialism and all other constraints.
"To those who would…thwart the legitimate and normal desires (of Africans)… we would say only this: Africa has struggled long and determinedly to rid itself of the yoke of oppression and exploitation. Africans now, with the end of this struggle in view, with a long - desired goal in sight, will not willingly see victory wrenched at the last moment from their grasp. Do not seek to perpetuate, in some different guise, the old forms of economic and political exploitation and oppression. If, in truth, the basic struggle in the world today is for the minds of men, then that nation or group of nations which seeks to impose its will upon any African people will most assuredly be vanquished in this struggle.
Africa needs and desires and welcomes the help of others, both physical and moral, but Africa must nevertheless be left to develop herself, her people, her resources, as Africans determine. Leave to us, freely and without qualm, the choice between good and evil, between justice and injustice, between oppression and liberty. Our choice will be the right one, and history will judge us, and you, the better for it." (Taken from an address to Parliament delivered by H.I.M. Haile Sellasie I, November 2, 1960)
The early years
Upon the death in 1913 of Emperor Menilik from natural causes, the House of the Lion of Judah was confronted by controversy over whom would be the rightful heir to the 2000 year old throne.
In line to succeed Menilik was his grandson Iyasu - a dynamic person who was too apparently too progressive for his own good. He did however, inherit his grandfather's passion for the rapid modernization of Ethiopia. Iyasu, as did his forebearers and also Haile Sellasie, was a firm advocate of National Assimilation by Royal Marriage - the kingly method of 'solving' ethnic, religious and other differences by conducting marriage alliances. The young Iyasu, let us note, had never been formally crowned after Menilik's death. Indeed, so critical was the Emperor role in the overall scheme of the vast empire that, feating mass panic and bloody power struggles among the nobility and warrior classes, Menilik's death was not made public until several years had passed. That successful nationwide cloak of silence must rate as the secret of the millennium.
Polygamy (he had several wives) and also Muslim women, to the shock of the court. He established relations with the Ottoman Turks (erstwhile enemies of the Empire) and also with Germany and Austria-Hungary. These and other actions earned the designated heir to the throne the wrath of the powerful, even 'Kingmaker' Orthodox church and undermined his authority to rule.
Meanwhile, Teferi Mekonen was busy, skillfully laying the foundations for a modern, yet absolute monarchy. Teferi's father, Ras Mekonnen was Menilik's close cousin and therefore, by virtue of belonging to the House of David, Teferi was eligible to ascend the throne.
Lij (literally 'son' prince) Iyasu, lacked intellectual experience and keen awareness of international events - skills Teferi was amply endowed with. Eventually, Iyasu was taken out of the picture, in 1921. Princess Zewditu, the daughter of Emperor Menilik was crowned Empress History remembers her as last woman to sit on the Ethiopian throne. Teferi Mekonen was proclaimed Regent with the high rank of Ras.
Among Ras Teferi's primary goals was the formal recognition of Ethiopia by the League of Nations - the defunct highly hypocritical and as far as Ethiopia was to be concerned clique of traitors. One of the numerous excuses for denying Ethiopia's many applications to admittance was the League's insistence that slavery had not been official abolished by Ethiopia.
( Continues next week)

His Majesty’s milestones
July 23, 1892- The future emperor, Teferi Mekonen, is born in Ejersa Goro, near Harar in eastern Ethiopia
1896 – His much adored mother passes and the young boy is taken in by his cousin, Ras Imru
1906 – Ras Teferi, now in his teens, is sent to reside with Emperor Menilik
1911 – Teferi weds Weyzero (Lady) Menen Asfaw, later Empress Menen. She was the granddaughter of Ras Michael of Wollo.
1921 – As Regent, the modernizing Ras Tafari, declares all vestiges of slavery abolished
1923 - The consummate diplomat negotiates Ethiopia’s entry into the League of Nations.
1930 - Crowned Emperor Haile Sellassie I.
1931 - Introduces Ethiopias first written constitution
1935 - Ethiopia is invaded by Fascist Italy. Emperor is exiled to Jerusalem and London.
1936 - Delivers famous speech at League of Nations in Geneva. The League adds insult to injury by lifting arms embargo on the aggressor – Italy
1941 - Enters Addis Ababa triumphantly and embarks on wide ranging political, economic and diplomatic initiatives
1940 – 1950s - Aggressively pushes infrastructure development, codification of laws, African unity and support for independence movements, expands education, health service, communication and modernizes Empire’s land, sea and air forces.
1946 - Establishes Ethiopian Airlines – destined to be Africa’s best airline.
1955 - Introduces revised constitution granting more rights
1958 - The Emperor’s deft skills in diplomacy convince UN to headquarter the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa
1960 - Imperial Bodyguard fails in coup de’ etat attempt while Emperor is away on state visit to Brazil
1962 - Empress Menen, passes away after a protracted illness. Nation grieves for a much loved queen.
1963 - The Emperors long cherished goal is achieved with the establishment of the Organization of Africa Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa.
1964 - Achieves military victory over the irredentist Republic of Somalia
1965 - Student unrest in cities and towns
1974 - Military junta takes control of revolutionary situation
1975 - The Emperor is formally deposed and he and his family imprisoned. He dies under mysterious circumstances. 60 of his ministers and other high ranking officials are executed by firing squad. Ethiopia’s long nightmare was just beginning. …. ( Continues next week)

Maitre Artiste recognized as vice-president

By Addis Mulugeta

The Most Hon, Maitre Artiste World Laureate Afewerk Tekle has been invited to become the vice president of the Board of the World Congress of Arts, Sciences and Communications. Also, the American Biographical Institute, and the International Biographical Center, England are pleased to announce that Maitre
Afework will be participating in the world forum to be held at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford, England on August 23-31, 2008.
Maitre Afewerk has been invited to attend the World’s Forum 2008 as an Ambassador from Ethiopia. According to the press release the men and women chosen to attend will be from 35 different countries and are individuals whose professional accomplishments, ideas and talents will be shared with the entire delegation. The delegates will be able to return to their respective countries and professionals, and enlighten others with newly found cultural and educational awareness. In addition, the goal of the forum is to serve as a platform for the melding of experiences and accomplishments for the betterment of all nations and societies. There will be discussion on such topics as education, technology, science, international affairs, healthpublishing, the arts, etc. In addition an international gallery of art will open for the week.
In a previous exclusive interview with Capital, Maitre Afework had stated that this year he wasn’t planning on going abroad as he has three important projects which he plans to present as his contribution to the Ethiopian millennium year. However, he has to leave because the international forum is a very important one being held England, at Oxford University. The release further explained that many distinguished intellectuals in various fields have been invited, and he will represent Ethiopia as an Ambassador of Fine Arts. Hence he will exhibit two-three original works of his to be displayed at this forum. “I will also answer some questions and put Ethiopia’s ideas forward among these great intellectuals of the world on Ethiopi’s a cultural dealing with the Fine Arts. I feel it is very important to make an appearance particularly during this new millennium period”.