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
July
23, 2013
Today
is the 120th 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