In Memoriam: 120th Birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie

Blogger's Note: The following essay is by Ambassador Imru Zelleke and posted here with minor editorial changes. The opinions expressed by the guest blogger do not necessary reflect the opinions of Wemezekir's blogger/Editor. Wemezekir's Editor is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information within this essay.

HIM Haile Sellassie I 

Emperor of Ethiopia

In memoriam

July 23, 2013

Today is the 120^th Birthday of the late Emperor Haile Sellassie I. In view of what happened in Ethiopia after the end of his reign, it is time now to remember him and recollect some of his achievements in the history of Ethiopia.

He was not a modern educated man but a man endowed with exceptional intelligence whose formation was guided by the canons and traditions  of the Ethiopian Monarchy and the Christian percepts of the Ethiopian  Coptic  Orthodox Church. He had learned French and some modern notions from Catholic Capucins Monks that gave him some modern ideas in his early age. Having visited European countries in the twenties he was exposed to many aspects of modern life and new technologies.

Governor of Harrar at the age of fourteen and subsequently Governor of Kaffa, as well as participating in Court politics, he had learned the ropes of governance in the intriguing and multifarious atmosphere of Ethiopian polity. A visionary and ambitious personality, he pursued vigorously and ruthlessly his goals to gain power. Notwithstanding these traits he was a parsimonious and disciplined leader with little interest in the mundane luxuries that power granted. An indefatigable worker completely dedicated to his role, he pursued relentlessly policies of consolidating the Empire and modernizing Ethiopia, including the  return of Eritrea to the motherland and her historical access to the sea.

To state that during  his reign Ethiopia had made a remarkable progress in many aspects of national life would be superfluous, considering that it was achieved starting from scratch, with little financial and human resources and negligible foreign assistance. Internationally Ethiopia had acquired respect and recognition for its positive role in world affairs, helping  liberation movements and African independence and playing a major role in the creation of Organization of African Unity.  At the end of his rule he handed  over power peacefully and left a country with solid foundation upon which an advanced and progressive nation could have been built. Yes, a lot of improvement and modernization could have been done in his time, but it would be asking the Emperor why he did not accomplish  matters beyond his  capabilities .  In comparison to the disastrous events that followed it is comforting to think that there are some good times to remember.

The Emperor was a human being with the defaults and good sides  that we all possess, nevertheless he was an exceptional leader that served well his country and his people. 

Imru Zelleke