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135-683: Ethiopia has always oscillated between centralisation of power, this was accelerated under the 19th century emperors Tewodros II (1855–68) and Yohannes IV (1872–89). This was replicated in modern times under the Stalinist Derg regime, after the fall of the Derg, the federalism introduced in 1991 by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Historically, the Ethiopian Empire , known as "Abyssinia" and "Ze-Etiyopia" called prior to

270-509: A Shewan prince, Sahle Maryam, who he brought up as his own son, who would later become Emperor (or Atse ) himself as Menelik II . Despite his success against Shewa, Tewodros faced constant rebellions by nobles in other regions resisting modernization. He ultimately committed suicide at the Battle of Magdala , during the British Expedition to Abyssinia . In the first six years of his reign,

405-502: A boy and handed him over to a friend to be raised as a common farmer in Shewa. The eldest descendant of this line now resides in Kenya married to the daughter of a Jegna, some Ethiopians believe them to be the only legitimate heirs to the line of Tewedros II and Menelik II. Regardless of the veracity of these rumors, Woizero Alitash Tewodros, daughter of Tewodros II, died within the first few months of

540-611: A buffer against Russia's plans for expansion into Central Asia. More so, as a result of the American Civil War , deliveries of cotton from the American South to the British textile industry were cut off entirely, making the British increasingly dependent on Egyptian-Sudanese cotton. The British did not wish to see a conflagration in the region which would upset the status quo. After two years had passed and Tewodros had not received

675-545: A cohesive Ethiopian state and to reform its administration and church. Tewodros II's first task after having reunited the other provinces was to bring Shewa under his control. During the Era of the Princes, Shewa was, even more than most provinces, an independent entity, its ruler even styling himself Negus , the title for King. In the course of subduing the Shewans, Tewodros took with him

810-498: A cultural contempt for what were considered inferior peoples. These historical memories persist in part, aggravated even today by ‘land grabs’ in the southern Oromo heartland by the ruling non-Oromo hegemony and by similar competition for land and resources between the Amhara and Ethiopian Somalis in the North. The centralised Ethiopian Empire under Haile Selassie was abolished following

945-511: A curious side note, many of the hostages were unhappy with Napier's demand that they leave the country. Several hostages argued that they had long since become alienated from their old homeland in Europe and would no longer have any chance of building a new life for their families there. The German observer Josef Bechtinger, who accompanied the expedition, wrote: Most of them, instead of thanking Providence for their final rescue – were not all happy with

1080-769: A larger share of the Nile River water. Part of this entailed using Ethiopia's hydropower prospects as leverage in exporting power to Egypt , amongst others. He had also aided the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement prior to independence of South Sudan as the rebels fought the government in Khartoum . Since the War on Terrorism , Meles sought to consolidate hegemony of Ethiopia in East Africa, including his mediation efforts with Sudan and South Sudan, as well as stabilizing Somalia towards

1215-470: A major defeat in March 1848 at the Battle of Dabarki , effectively ending his invasion. The defeat at Dabarki led to Tewodros taking efforts to modernize his military, incorporating firearm drills and more modern artillery. Tewodros sought to unify and modernise Ethiopia . However, since he was nearly always away on campaign during his tenure as emperor, disloyal leaders frequently tried to dislodge him while he

1350-405: A minor illness. A press conference, during which the government planned to clarify Meles' health status, was scheduled for 18 July but postponed until later in the week. While the government acknowledged that Meles had been hospitalised, it stated that his condition was not serious. There were further rumours of his death when he was not seen in public after the 2012 G20 summit and at the time of

1485-507: A narrow rock stairway, we advanced quickly toward a second gate, through which we passed without meeting resistance. About a hundred paces beyond it lay the half-naked body of the Emperor himself, who had taken his own life with a pistol shot. A strange smile was on the remarkably young and attractive-looking face, and I was struck particularly by the finely drawn, boldly aquiline nose. After Tewodros has been buried, Napier allowed his troops to loot

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1620-411: A perfect self-control. Indefatigable in business, he takes little repose night or day: his ideas and language are clear and precise; hesitation is not known to him; and has no counsellors or go-between. He is fond of splendour, and received in state even on a campaign. He is unsparing in punishment – necessary in a wilderness as Abyssinia (at that time). He salutes his meanest (poor) subjects with courtesy,

1755-430: A presence of its soldiers in the town. A new constitution was approved in 1994, providing for a parliamentary system. The president served as ceremonial head of state, with the prime minister as head of government and chief executive. The EPRDF handily won the 1995 elections , and Meles was sworn in as prime minister when the new Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was formally inaugurated on 21 August 1995. Meles

1890-494: A professional standing army , rather than depending on local lords to provide soldiers for his expeditions. He introduced the collection of books in the form of a library, tax codes, as well as a centralized political system with respective administrative districts. He also intended to reform the church but he was confronted by strong opposition when he tried to impose a tax on church lands to help finance government activities. Tewodros confiscation of these lands gained him enemies in

2025-499: A reply, he imprisoned Cameron, together with all the British subjects in Ethiopia and various other Europeans, in an attempt to get the queen's attention. His prisoners included an Anglican missionary named Henry A. Stern , who had previously published a book in Europe describing Tewodros as a barbaric, cruel, unstable usurper. When Tewodros saw this book, he became violently angry, pulled a gun on Stern, and had to be restrained from killing

2160-403: A rumour that she was reduced to selling Kosso  – a claim for which Kassa would go on to imprison Henry Aaron Stern for publishing during his reign. There is actually no evidence that Woizero Atitegeb was ever a Kosso seller, and several writers such as Paulos Ngo Ngo have stated outright that it was a false rumor spread by her detractors. Evidence indicates that Woizero Atitegeb

2295-468: A sizable force of followers, was able to not only restore himself to his father's previous fiefdom of Qwara but was able to control all of Dembiya . Moreover, he gained popular support by his benevolent treatment of the inhabitants in the areas he controlled: according to Sven Rubenson, Kassa "shared out captured grain and money to the peasants in Qwara and told them to buy hoes and plant." This garnered notice of

2430-407: A striking countenance, peculiarly polite and engaging when pleased, and mostly displaying great tact and delicacy. He is persuaded that he is destined to restore the glories of the Ethiopian Empire and to achieve great conquests: of untiring energy, both mental and bodily, his personal and moral daring is boundless... When aroused his wrath is terrible, and all tremble; but at all moments he possesses

2565-539: A symbol of the defiant independence of the Ethiopian." He has been said to have used a pistol which he had used during fighting for unification during the era, though in reality he used a duelling pistol gifted to him by Queen Victoria and presented by Consul Cameron. Tewodros II was buried by the British troops at Magdala's Medhane Alem (Savior of the World) Orthodox Church under the name of Theodore II. In 2019

2700-636: A year, but Afewerki abandoned his original promise to create a transitional government in the early 1990s. The Eritrean-Ethiopian War began in May 1998 following the Eritrean troops invasion of Badme and parts of Sheraro woredas. Following the invasion Ethiopia demanded that the Eritrean troops leave the invaded areas completely. However, the Eritrean government refused to pull out. Then the Ethiopians responded with huge counter - offensive measures which subsequently lead to

2835-520: Is high and almost domed; his slightly aquiline nose is a common trait among Thoroughbred Amharas. His beard is very light and his lip thin. Georg Wilhelm Schimper the German botanist had mentioned the following about Tewodros: Theodore, the new King of Kings of Ethiopia, was certainly the most remarkable man that has appeared in Africa for some centuries. At the date of his assumption of the regal title, Theodore

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2970-459: Is signal: without Christ I am nothing. The French explorer, geographer, ethnologist, linguist and astronomer Antoine Thomson D'Abbadie describes him during his stay in Ethiopia: Kassa passed for being twenty-eight. His face was more black than red. Like almost all Ethiopians, he had a slender body and seemed to owe his great agility less to his muscles than to his powerful will. His forehead

3105-414: Is sincerely though often mistakenly religious, and will acknowledge a fault committed to his poorest follower in a moment of compassion with sincerity and grace. He is generous to excess, and free from all cupidity, regarding nothing with pleasure or desire but munitions of war for his soldiers. He has exercised the utmost clemency towards the vanquished, treating them more like friends than enemies. His faith

3240-432: Is the official language of Oromia Region , Afar for Afar Region, Harari for Harari Region . Amharic is official working language to Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz , Gambela , and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region . Religion in Ethiopia (2016 estimate) Meles' government allowed freedom of religion formally in 1991. Previous issues including Orthodox Church dominance prior 1974, seizure of church by

3375-417: Is too sad! All alone in a strange country, without a single person or relative belonging to him... His was no happy life". Emperor Tewodros II had an elder son born outside of wedlock, named Meshesha Tewodros. Meshesha was frequently at odds with his father, especially after it was learned that he had assisted Menelik of Shewa in his escape from Magdala. When Menelik became Emperor of Ethiopia, Meshesha Tewodros

3510-684: The 1995 constitution , consists of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, other Ministers and other members as determined and approved by the House of People's Representatives. Among the ministries are the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development , the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Health , and

3645-744: The 2005 Ethiopian general election violence , the Administrator of USAID recognized an EPRDF electoral victory and accused European Union election observers who were critical of the outcome of doing a "bad job" and of "favoring opposition groups". The TPLF administration strongly regards gender equality; Meles' wife and First Lady Azeb Mesfin was forefront advocator in women rights. Meles government encouraged all-encompassing women participations, organized forums to discuss backward issues in national television. Discussions include concerning tangential issues, HIV transmission, premature marriage, job opportunities and more. Various organizations emerged for example

3780-644: The Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), UEDF, and the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement in the 2005 election . It was one of the most controversial elections in Ethiopian history, and the opposition accused the EPRDF of electoral fraud. Demonstrations broke out in Addis Ababa and protesters were massacred by government forces—763 people were killed and over 10,000 were imprisoned. In spite of

3915-634: The Ethiopian Revolution , the Mengistu and communist Derg coup of 1974, replaced by an equally centralised Marxist-Leninist system, including the continuation of the military campaigns started by Haile Selassie in 1961 against the resistance within Eritrea , annexed in 1961, which persisted until 1991, and against the Somali Ogaden invasion of 1977/78. Following the dissolution of the Derg in 1991, by

4050-540: The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), Kembatti Mentti Gezzima-tope and Network of Ethiopian Women's Associations . On 18 May 2012, Meles attended to Food Security 2012 G8 Summit in Washington D.C to discuss agricultural transformation in Africa to deal with unification of farmers and private sectors. Abebe Gelaw, a Washington-based Ethiopian journalist disrupted the conference by yelling at

4185-623: The House of the Federation ( Yefedereshn Mekir Bet ) with 112 members, one for each nationality , and one additional representative for each one million of its population, designated by the regional councils, which may elect them themselves or through popular elections. The president and vice president of the Federal Supreme Court are recommended by the prime minister and appointed by the House of People's Representatives; for other federal judges,

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4320-529: The National Army Museum announced the return to Ethiopia of a lock of Tewodros' hair, taken after his death in battle. Magdala was in the territory of the Muslim Oromo tribes who had long before taken it from the Amhara people ; however Tewodros had won it back from them some years earlier. Two rival Oromos queens, Werkait and Mostiat, had both allied themselves with the British and claimed control of

4455-658: The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), while drafting the constitution counted Amharas and Tigrayans dominated the imperial rule likewise. Reasons posited the aim of ethnic federalism empowers all ethnic groups in Ethiopia to share their cultures and languages, and ethnic-based liberation front preferred to join the July Convention of Nationalities in 1991. Critic always commented this system brings to divisions, which on other hands, Meles argues it gives several interests, equitable distribution and wealth to them. He added that

4590-626: The Rugby School and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst . However, both the Queen and Napier were later concerned with the subsequent development of the young prince who became increasingly lonely, unhappy and depressed during this time. In 1879, the prince died at the age of 19. He was buried near the royal chapel in Windsor with a funeral plaque placed to his memory by Queen Victoria. On

4725-524: The Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region ; Tigray ; Sidama ; and South West Ethiopia . The chartered cities are Addis Ababa , the country's capital, and Dire Dawa . The federal structure was intended to alleviate the persistent historical ethnic tensions by establishing regional autonomy and a degree of self-rule. Article 39, Section 1 states: "Every nation, nationality and people has an unconditional right to self-determination including

4860-643: The TPLF have betrayed them and he is responsible for the loss of lives, relationships, and mutually benefiting opportunities of the two countries. Meles declared war on the ICU unprovoked in order to curry favor with the West. In 2006, the Islamic Courts Union assumed control of much of the southern part of Somalia and promptly imposed Shari'a law . The Transitional Federal Government sought to reestablish its authority, and, with

4995-555: The United States and the United Kingdom . Although Meles and his administration claimed they preferred a united but federal state that included the Eritrean state, since Meles' TPLF fought together with EPLF, Meles did not have a choice but to leave the decision to Eritrean leadership in the hope that the independence referendum would vote against secession, according to Time magazine's 1991 analysis. The Eritreans were given

5130-811: The AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, the additional Ethiopian and AU troop reinforcements are expected to help the Somali authorities gradually expand their territorial control. Meles played an important role in developing the African Union's position on climate change since 2009 and was a 'friend of the Chair' at the 15th Conference of the Parties ( COP15 ) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). On 31 August 2009, Meles

5265-624: The Africa Group made a submission to the UNFCCC that included demands for US$ 67 billion per year in finance for adaptation funding and US$ 200 billion per year for mitigation and set targets in terms of reductions of emissions by developed countries not by reference to temperature. On 3 September 2009, Meles made a speech to the Africa Partnership Forum, where he said: We will never accept any global deal that does not limit global warming to

5400-623: The Derg regime, state sponsored persecution against non-Orthodox Christians, second-class citizenship accorded to Ethiopian Muslims, and land owning issues by non-Orthodox population almost resolved. However, most analysis stated that there was sporadic clashes since equality and rights granted by national or new religions . Prior to federalism, both the Haile Selassie and Derg government limited media rights . During Meles' administration, however, politically inflicted media organization became decelerated, while entertainment surging in opposite. It

5535-447: The Derg to bring an end to the civil war which lasted for nearly 17 years and reach some kind of political settlement in 1991. The talks did not bear any fruit as EPRDF's force were moving to the capital and Mengistu fled the country. The United States agreed to support the EPRDF which would have, nevertheless, seized power without anyone's support. Many angry demonstrators in Addis Ababa reacted to this by protesting against Herman Cohen ,

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5670-518: The EPLF's rise to power in Eritrea. After the 30 years of war between the two countries, the people of both countries enjoyed the fruit of peace, but not for long. In 1998, the Ethiopian government waged war with Eritrea on basis of border conflicts. The war comes to end in 2000. During the war, between 70,000 and 98,217 people were killed and 650,000 displaced. The Algiers Agreement was a peace agreement between

5805-546: The EPRDF to victory in the Ethiopian Civil War , he served as president of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia from 1991 to 1995, then as the 2nd prime minister of Ethiopia from 1995 to his death in 2012. Meles Zenawi's administration brought Ethiopia to ethnic federalism ; he expressed his populist view that ethnic groups should share their own languages, culture and lands. An Eritrean referendum

5940-651: The Emperor saying that a reply to the letter would arrive shortly. The Foreign Office in London did not pass the letter to Queen Victoria, but simply filed it under Pending . There the letter stayed for a year. Then the Foreign Office sent the letter to India, because Abyssinia came under the Raj's remit. It is alleged that when the letter arrived in India, officials filed it under Not Even Pending . Britain had several reasons for ignoring

6075-477: The Emperor to free her family did not help their marital relationship. The marriage was very far from a happy one, and was extremely stormy. They did have a son, Dejazmatch Alemayehu Tewodros , whom the Emperor adored and whom he regarded as his heir. By October 1862, Emperor Tewodros' position as ruler had become precarious, much of Ethiopia was in revolt against him, except for a small area stretching from Lake Tana east to his fortress at Magdala, Ethiopia . He

6210-500: The Empress Tiruwork Wube , in the event of his death, to put his son, Prince Alemayehu , under the protection of the British. This decision was apparently made in fear that his life would be taken by any aspirant for the empire of Abyssinia. In accordance with these wishes, Alemayehu was taken to London where he was presented to Queen Victoria , who took a liking to the young boy. Alemayehu later studied at Cheltenham College ,

6345-540: The English cognate Theodore ; baptized as Kassa , c.  1818 – 13 April 1868) was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1855 until his death in 1868. His rule is often placed as the beginning of modern Ethiopia and brought an end to the decentralized Zemene Mesafint (Era of the Princes). Although Tewodros II's origins were in the Era of the Princes, his ambitions were not those of the regional nobility. He sought to re-establish

6480-597: The Ethiopian Lawyers' Association (formerly the Ethiopian Bar Association) and the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) are in existence, there is no clear indication as to how demographic groups, such as women, have fared in the legal field. The president is elected by the House of People's Representatives for a six-year term. The prime minister is designated by the party in power following legislative elections. The Council of Ministers , according to

6615-472: The Europeans unharmed but ordered 300 Ethiopian prisoners to be flung over the cliff. On 15 April 1868, as the British troops stormed the citadel of Magdala, Emperor Tewodros committed suicide rather than surrender. A modern commentator states "When Tewodros preferred self-inflicted death to captivity, he deprived the British of this ultimate satisfaction and laid the foundation for his own resurrection as

6750-625: The Gondarine Emperor. A puppet Emperor of the Solomonic dynasty was enthroned in Gondar by one nobleman, only to be dethroned and replaced by another member of the Imperial dynasty when a different regional prince was able to seize Gondar and the reins of power. Regions such as Gojjam and Shewa were ruled by their own branches of the Imperial dynasty and, in Shewa, the local prince went as far as assuming

6885-524: The Ministry of the Environment. Ethiopia is divided into 12 ethno-linguistically based regional states and 2 chartered cities. The states are: Afar ; Amhara , Benishangul/Gumaz ; Gambela ; Harari ; Oromia ; Somali ; South Ethiopia ; Central Ethiopia ; Tigray ; Sidama ; South West Ethiopia . The chartered cities are Addis Ababa , the country's capital, and Dire Dawa . Tewodros II Tewodros II ( Ge'ez : ዳግማዊ ቴዎድሮስ , once referred to by

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7020-699: The TPLF advocated, and is the subject of academic study. He died in Brussels on 20 August 2012 from an undisclosed illness. Meles was born in Adwa in northern Ethiopia, to Zenawi Asres, a Tigrayan from Adwa and Alemash Ghebreluel, an Eritrean from Adi Quala . He was the third of six children. His first name at birth was Legesse (thus Legesse Zenawi, Ge'ez : ለገሰ ዜናዊ legesse zēnāwī ). He eventually became better known by his nom de guerre Meles , which he adopted in honor of university student and fellow Tigrayan Meles Tekle who

7155-437: The TPLF, notes that historians John Young and Jenny Hammond "vaguely indicated" Meles as a founder of the TPLF in their books. Aregawi insists that both he and Sebhat Nega joined the Front "months" after it was founded. While a member of the TPLF, Meles established the Marxist-Leninist League of Tigray (MLLT). The TPLF was one of the armed groups struggling against the Derg, the junta which led Ethiopia from 1974 to 1991. Meles

7290-529: The TPLF, which ended the Ethiopian Civil War and established independence for Eritrea, Ethiopia formed a transitional government along federal lines which lasted until 1995. The 1995 Constitution of Ethiopia was promulgated by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which enshrined a form of ethnic-based federalism, consisting of 11 ethno-linguistically defined regional states and 2 chartered cities. The states are: Afar ; Amhara , Benishangul-Gumuz ; Gambela ; Harari ; Oromia ; Somali ;

7425-486: The U.S. State Department's chief of African affairs who attended a conference that demonstrators viewed as legitimizing the EPRDF. In July 1991, the Convention of Nationalities was held. It was the first Ethiopian multinational convention where delegates of various nations and organizations were given fair and equal representation and observed by various international organizations including the United Nations, Organization for African Unity , European Economic Community , and

7560-408: The anger, frustration and aspiration of the Ethiopian people in front of world leaders...Some are calling me a hero, others says I deserve honours. While I appreciate all the outpour of support, this is not about me. It is not about my heroism but the truth that must be told with utmost clarity. It is about our country, people, and the freedom and dignity we deserve." Meles moved to have Ethiopia gain

7695-415: The assistance of Ethiopian troops , African Union peacekeepers and air support by the United States, managed to drive out the rival ICU. On 8 January 2007, as the Battle of Ras Kamboni raged, TFG President and founder Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed , a former colonel in the Somali Army , entered Mogadishu for the first time since being elected to office. The Somali government then relocated to Villa Somalia in

7830-407: The calming influence of his wife was absent. For instance, after the murder of the English traveller, John Bell, who had become the emperor's close friend and confidante, the emperor, in revenge, had 500 prisoners beheaded in Debarek. Then, in February 1863, after defeating the rebel, Tedla Gwalu, Tewodros ordered the killing of the 7,000 prisoners he had taken. Tewodros II remarried, this time to

7965-406: The capital from its interim location in Baidoa . This marked the first time since the fall of the Siad Barre regime in 1991 that the federal government controlled most of the country. In October 2011, a coordinated multinational operation began against Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia, with the Ethiopian military eventually joining the mission the following month. According to Ramtane Lamamra ,

8100-416: The capture of the disputed Badme area and most parts of western Eritrea, and Ethiopian President Negaso Gidada gave a victory speech and a peace treaty was signed a few weeks later. According to the peace treaty Ethiopia then pulled out of the Eritrean Territory. Though Ethiopian troops controlled Badme , after the Algiers Agreement (2000) ruled that Badme belonged to Eritrea, Ethiopia continued to maintain

8235-503: The children, took vengeance on their victorious parents. Kassa escaped and fled to the protection of his kinsman, Dejazmach Kenfu Hailu , probably his uncle, but believed to be his half-brother. He continued his formal education and became familiar with the Bible and Ethiopian literature . He also received instruction on the techniques of Ethiopian warfare from Kenfu. When Kenfu died, and his two sons were defeated by another dajazmach (earl), Dajazmach Goshu of Damot and Gojjam , Kassa

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8370-500: The choice for independence or to stay in the union. They voted for independence on 24 May 1993, Isaias Afewerki became the leader of Eritrea. Meles was in Asmara , Eritrea as the keynote speaker. Many in the Meles administration, as well as opposition parties, were angry over the decision to grant Eritrea its independence. Despite working together against the Derg regime, Meles and Isaias positive relationship turned sour after Meles succumbed to U.S. pressure to hold an election within

8505-413: The church and little support elsewhere. Essentially, Tewodros was a talented military campaigner. The British Consul Walter Plowden knew well the political events of Ethiopia during the 1850s and had foretold the rising star of Kassa the freelance warrior from Qwara . When being crowned as King, Plowden described him as such: The King Theodorus is young in years, vigorous in all manly exercises, of

8640-464: The citadel as a punitive measure; according to historian Richard Pankhurst , "fifteen elephants and almost 200 mules were required to carry away the booty". These became dispersed in museums and state collections across Europe, though some looted artifacts have been returned to Ethiopia. Tewodros II's family later moved the Emperor's remains to the Mahedere Selassie Monastery in his native Qwara, where they remain to this day. Tewodros had asked his wife,

8775-411: The conquered fortress as a reward. Napier much preferred to hand Magdala over to the Christian ruler of Lasta , Wagshum Gobeze , because if Gobeze were in control of the fortress, he would be able to halt the Oromos advance and assume responsibility for over 30,000 Christian refugees from Tewodros's camp. Yet as Gobeze was unresponsive to these overtures, much preferring to acquire Tewodros's cannons, and

8910-409: The country to economically grow steadily since he took an office. During the last seven years, Ethiopia's GDP growth had shown 9 percent of rate. The country also topped to the category "policies of social inclusion and equity" in domain of "economic management", while Ethiopia was successful scoring "structural policies" and "public sector management and institutions". Gross primary enrollment rate which

9045-561: The current national borders. The inhabitants of these Southern states had different languages and customs; mostly Muslim and Pagan, but particularly the most populous group, the Oromos , 34% currently, occupied valuable agricultural and developable lands which now contain the capital Addis Ababa , the heart of urban Ethiopia and its industrial hub on traditional Oromo lands. The conquest involved mass killings, which would now be termed genocide, enslavement, land confiscation and forcible conversion to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, motivated by

9180-405: The daughter of his imprisoned enemy Dejazmach Wube . The new Empress, Tiruwork Wube was a proud and haughty woman, very aware of her illustrious Solomonic ancestry. She is said to have intended on the religious life and becoming a nun, especially after the fall of her father and his imprisonment along with her brothers at the hands of Tewodros II. However, Tewodros' request for her hand in marriage

9315-449: The death of the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church , Abune Paulos . On 20 August, Meles Zenawi died after contracting an infection in Belgium. Minister of Information Bereket Simon announced on state television: It's a sad day for Ethiopia. The man who led our country for the past 21 years and brought economic and democratic changes, has died. We have lost our respected leader. Meles has been receiving treatment abroad. He

9450-547: The disdainful treatment he repeatedly received from the Empress Menen. By 1852, he rebelled against Ras Ali and, in a series of victories – Gur Amaba , Takusa , Ayshal , and Amba Jebelli – over the next three years he defeated every army the Ras and the Empress sent against him. At Ayshal he captured the Empress Menen, and Ras Ali fled. Kassa announced that he was deposing Emperor Yohannes III, and then marched on his greatest remaining rival, Dejazmach Wube Haile Maryam of Semien . Kassa refused to acknowledge an attempt to restore

9585-492: The division of Ethiopia among the various regional lords and princes that had vied among each other for power for almost two centuries. He forcibly re-incorporated the regions of Gojjam , Tigre , Shewa and Wollo under the direct administration of the Imperial throne after they had been ruled by local branches of the Imperial dynasty (in Gojjam and Shewa) or other noblemen (Wollo). With all of his rivals apparently subdued, he imprisoned them and their relatives at Magdala. Among

9720-642: The education at Rugby of Dejazmatch Alemayehu Tewodros, Captain Tristram Speedy was appointed as his guardian. He developed a very strong attachment to Captain Speedy and his wife. However, Prince Alemayehu grew increasingly lonely as the years went by, and his compromised health made things even harder. He died in October 1879 at the age of 19 without seeing his homeland again. Prince Alemayehu left an impression on Queen Victoria , who wrote of his death in her journal: "It

9855-456: The election, disastrous riots and protests sparked across Addis Ababa , in which 193 people were killed by police brutality . During his tenure , Ethiopia became one of Africa's fastest-growing economies. Meles undertook major reforms to the country, including land reforms attempt to reduce serious droughts, school expansions, and agricultural interests. "Zenawism" refers to his principles and policies of ethnic federalism, especially those

9990-405: The emperor was left with only 4,000 soldiers. Tewodros II attempted to make peace. Napier responded with a message thanking him for this peace offering and stating that he would treat the Emperor and his family with every dignity. Tewodros II furiously responded that he would never be taken prisoner. The British shelled Magdala, which killed most of Tewodros's remaining soldiers. Tewodros released all

10125-633: The end of the mandate of the Transitional Federal Government . Though he had controversially sent troops to fight against the Islamic Courts Union , he had been praised for working towards a stable situation along with the African Union since 2009. Meles Zenawi and President of Eritrea Isaias Afwerki were on good terms, as Eritrean forces helped TPLF overthrow the Derg . As the TPLF came to power in Ethiopia, it had occurred simultaneously with

10260-690: The execution of fellow university student Meles Takele by the Derg government in 1975. In that year, he left Haile Selassie I University to join the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and fight against the Derg (the Mengistu Haile Mariam -led military dictatorship in Ethiopia). In 1989, he became the chairman of the TPLF, and the head of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) after its formation in 1988. After leading

10395-491: The following about him: He was a genius, and a very remarkable one. It is a misuse of terms to call him a savage, except in the sense that Peter the Great was a savage. They were both born kings of men; both endowed with military genius; both lovers of the mechanical arts; both possessed of dauntless courage; and, while capable of noble and generous acts, both were frequently guilty of perpetrating most horrible atrocities. Kassa Hailu

10530-444: The former Emperor Sahle Dengel in the place of the hapless Yohannes III who had acknowledged Kassa immediately. Yohannes III was treated well by Kassa who seems to have had some personal sympathy for him. His views on Sahle Dengel are not known but are not likely to have been sympathetic. Following the defeat of Dejazmach Wube, Kassa was crowned Emperor by Abuna Salama III in the church of Derasge Maryam on February 11, 1855. He took

10665-506: The governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia signed on 12 December 2000, at Algiers , Algeria , which was supposed to be final and binding. Nevertheless, Meles Zenawi refused to pull back Ethiopian forces for Eritrean territory, leading to a no-war-no-peace situation in the region. Ethiopian forces reside in the sovereign lands of Eritrea, around the town Badme despite the EEBC Border ruling granting Badme to Eritrea. Eritreans feel Meles Zenawi and

10800-629: The letter. The British Empire 's interests in Northeast Africa were quite different from those of Tewodros. The British did not want to conduct a Christian "crusade" against Islam but instead to cooperate politically, strategically and commercially with the Ottoman Empire , Egypt and the Sudan. This was not only to protect the route to India but also to ensure that the Ottoman Empire continued to act as

10935-500: The mid-19th century, consisted mainly of the Amhara and Tigrayans . These are northern people who share a similar language, culture and customs, who now make up c. 24% and 6% respectively of modern Ethiopia. Tewodros II reunified Northern Ethiopia from 1855, while his successor Yohannes IV embarked on a series of brutal military campaigns between 1880–1889 to conquer and annex the southern and eastern regions, namely western Oromo, Sidama, Gurage, Wolayta and other groups, leading largely to

11070-856: The minimum unavoidable level, no matter what levels of compensation and assistance are promised to us... While we will reason with everyone to achieve our objective, we will not rubber-stamp an agreement by the powers that be as the best we could get for the moment. We will use our numbers to delegitimize any agreement that is not consistent with our minimal position. If needs be we are prepared to walk out of any negotiations that threaten to be another rape of our continent. In July 2012, questions arose concerning Meles' health when he did not attend African Union summit meetings in Addis Ababa. Opposition groups claimed that Meles may have already died on 16 July while undergoing treatment in Belgium ; however, Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn attributed Meles' absence to

11205-465: The missionary. He then beat to death the two servants Stern had brought with him. Tewodros also received reports from abroad that foreign papers had quoted these European residents of Ethiopia as having said many negative things about him and his reign. The British sent a mission under an Assyrian -born British subject, Hormuzd Rassam , who bore a letter from the Queen (in response to Tewodros' now three-year-old letter requesting aid). He did not bring

11340-411: The new Emperor. Rumors persist that Alitash and Emperor Menelik may have rekindled their relationship and that Alitash found that she was pregnant by the Emperor in the following months. The rumors continue that upon hearing about this pregnancy of the Emperor's first wife, the childless and barren Empress Taytu Bitul had Alitash poisoned. Yet a different version of these rumors state that she gave birth to

11475-550: The new Wolaita Soddo University started taking in students in February 2007. Ethiopia frequently suffered from droughts throughout its history . Under his office, major droughts occurred in 1999/2000, 2002/2003 and 2009/2010. Meles government encouraged collectivist land reforms and redistribution at local levels. However, the constitution deemed has shortcomings. Article 40, section 3 states that, "The right to own rural and urban land as well as natural resources belongs to only to

11610-474: The new ruler managed to put down these rebellions, and the empire was relatively peaceful from about 1861 to 1863, but the energy, wealth, and manpower necessary to deal with regional opposition limited the scope of Tewodros's other activities. Tewodros II never realized his dream of restoring a strong monarchy, although he took many important initial steps. He sought to establish the principle that governors and judges must be salaried appointees. He also established

11745-536: The new turn of events. They were indignant, upset, at having to leave Abyssinia. "What" they said, "are we supposed to do in Europe now, what are we supposed to do now with our wives and children back in our homeland – which has become alien to us? How are we supposed to live now among people who have [become] alien to us and whom we no longer like? What are we supposed to live on? Bechtinger reported that many of them eventually returned to their adopted country from Suez by way of Massawa. Following some short squabbles for

11880-478: The nobleman in control of Gondar, Ras Ali II of Yejju of Wollo. Empress Menen Liben Amede , wife of Emperor Yohannes III, and the mother of Ras Ali, arranged for Kassa to marry her granddaughter, Tewabech Ali . She awarded him all of Ye Meru Qemas in the hopes of binding him firmly to her son and herself. Although all sources and authorities believe that Kassa truly loved and respected his wife, his relationship with his new in-laws deteriorated largely because of

12015-471: The pickaxe and the hammer like the lowest of his workmen, with the view of encouraging them by his example. He was in all things the man of energy, the fierce hero, of whom M. Lejean, who knew him intimately enough to call him his "terrible friend," has traced so life-like a portrait. He was about fifty years of age; of medium stature, with muscular limbs, a swarthy complexion, and features of remarkable beauty. The British geographer Clements Markham , mentioned

12150-409: The podium against Meles with words: Meles Zenawi is a dictator! Meles Zenawi is a dictator! Free Eskinder Nega ! Free political prisoners! You are a dictator. You are committing crimes against humanity. Food is nothing without freedom! Meles has committed crimes against humanity! We need freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Abebe was escorted by guards and detained. Abebe noted in his latest speech, "I voiced

12285-404: The population, was seen as unduly favourable to Tigrayans , with resentment from the majority Oromos (34%) and Amhara (27%), with ethnic clashes also involving Ethiopian Somalis (6%). The Federal Parliamentary Assembly has two chambers : the House of People's Representatives ( Yehizbtewekayoch Mekir Bet ) with 547 members, elected for five-year terms in single-seat constituencies ; and

12420-732: The prime minister submits candidates selected by the Federal Judicial Administrative Council to the House of People's Representatives for appointment. In May 2007, the Ethiopian Federal courts received the Technology in Government in Africa (TIGA) award that is provided by Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Canadian e-Policy Resource Center (CePRC). With regard to the legal profession, although organizations such as

12555-564: The region. Tewodros asked the British Consul in Ethiopia, Captain Charles Duncan Cameron , to carry a letter to Queen Victoria requesting skilled workers to come to teach his subjects how to produce firearms, and other technical skills. Cameron traveled to the coast with the letter, but when he informed the Foreign Office of the letter and its contents, he was instructed to simply send the letter to London rather than take it himself. He

12690-621: The reign of her ex-husband Menelik II. Meles Zenawi Meles Zenawi Asres ( Tigringa and Amharic : መለስ ዜናዊ ኣስረስ ; pronounced [mɛllɛs zenawi asrɛs] listen ), born Legesse Zenawi Asres (9 May 1955 – 20 August 2012) was an Ethiopian politician and a former anti- Derg militant who served as president of Ethiopia from 1991 to 1995 and as prime minister from 1995 until his death in 2012. Born in Adwa to an Ethiopian father and an Eritrean mother, Meles became actively involved in politics after changing his original first name from Legesse to Meles, adopted following

12825-436: The right to section." Each ethnic territory was thus given the right to secede, which was welcomed by those federally-minded but proved controversial amongst supporters of Ethiopian nationalism and its diaspora , especially the previously dominant Amhara , who feared it would decentralise government and induce ethnic tensions. After the 1995 general election, Meles Zenawi , chairman of the Tigray People's Liberation Front ,

12960-582: The royal and aristocratic prisoners at Magdala was the young Prince of Shewa, Sahle Maryam, the future Emperor Menelik II . Tewodros doted on the young prince, and married him to his own daughter Alitash Tewodros . Menelik would eventually escape from Magdala, and abandon his wife, offending Tewodros deeply. The death of his beloved wife, Empress Tewabech, marked the start of a deterioration in Tewodros II's behavior. Increasingly erratic and vengeful, he gave full rein to some of his more brutal tendencies now that

13095-650: The skilled workers as Tewodros had requested. Deeply insulted by the British failure to do exactly as they were asked, Tewodros had the members of the Rassam mission added to his other European prisoners. This last breach of diplomatic immunity was the catalyst to Britain launching the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia under Robert Napier . He traveled from India, then a British colony, with more than 30,000 personnel (a force of 13,000 troops and 26,000 camp followers), which consisted of not only soldiers but also specialists such as engineers. Tewodros had become increasingly unpopular over

13230-534: The state and the people." The farmers use uncertain transfer rights whilst using lands. Since 2008, the government announced "empty" land leasing to foreign investors. This outlook considered by some holders " land grabbing " with a risk of losing their plots. The EPRDF once convinced that land should not be privatized, farmers would pay their land after drought. His government believed privatization should be implemented potentially, but not presently. The EPRDF faced an unprecedented challenge from opposition groups like

13365-590: The system provides recourse to fight poverty, peasants must choice their own decisions in their own languages. Meles views emphasized an economic growth claiming "if you think it is threat, it will be; if you think it a benefit, then it will be. Ethnicity will become less an issue as the economy grows and Ethiopia's process of assimilation does its job." His government criticized for decentralizing of language system. Critics concerned that this policy would fracture Ethiopian national identity . Regions of Ethiopia have their official state language. For example, Afaan Oromo

13500-424: The territory because Empress Menen Liben re-annexed it under her own control. According to the Ethiopian chronicles, Kassa's mother, Woizero Atitegeb Wondbewossen, was from Gondar and belonged to a noble family. However, According to Hormuzd Rassam , she was originally from Amhara Sayint . Her mother, Woizero Tishal, was a member of a noble family of Begemder , while her paternal grandfather, Ras Wodajo,

13635-493: The territory because it was the personal fief of Dejazmach Maru , a powerful warlord, and relative of Kassa. When Maru died in October 1827, his fiefdom was given (albeit begrudgingly) to Dejazmach Hailu by the governor of the province, Empress Menen Liben Amede . Kassa was in line to potentially take control of Ye Maru Qemas after Kenfu's death (though Kenfu also wanted to give the land to his own sons). When Kenfu died, however, neither his sons nor Kassa inherited control of

13770-496: The throne after his death, Tewodros II was eventually succeeded by Yohannes IV as the next Emperor of Ethiopia. The widowed Empress Tiruwork and the young heir of Tewodros, Alemayehu , were also to be taken to England. However, Empress Tiruwork died on the journey to the coast, and little Alemayehu made the journey alone. The Empress was buried at Sheleqot monastery in Tigray where her ancestors ruled. Although Queen Victoria subsidised

13905-538: The throne name of Tewodros II, attempting to fulfill a prophecy that a man named Tewodros would restore the Ethiopian Empire to greatness and rule for 40 years. Tewodros II's military career started when he served in his relative, Kenfu Haile Giorgis', army. In 1837, he led a successful attack on Ottoman forces in the town of Gallabat and fought in the Battle of Wadkaltabu where he helped defeat an Egyptian raid. His uncle, Dejazmach Kenfu died in 1839 and Qwara

14040-493: The title of King. In Wollo , competing royal powerful Oromo and Muslim dynasties also vied for power. Nevertheless, a semblance of order and unity was maintained in northern Ethiopia during the era of the Princes by the powerful Rases of the Were Sheik dynasty of Wollo such as Ras Ali the Great and Ras Gugsa who controlled Gondar and the Emperor. Kassa began his career in this era as a shifta ( outlaw ), but after amassing

14175-461: The two Oromo queens could not reach an arrangement, Napier decided to destroy the fortress. After a thorough medical examination which confirmed Tewodros' death as the result of suicide, the body was dressed and laid out in a hut. By the request of the Emperor's widow, the body was later buried in the Church of Magdala. Lieutenant Stumm, an eyewitness, described the discovery of Tewodros's body: Climbing

14310-498: The years due to his harsh methods, and many regional figures had rebelled against him. Several readily assisted the British by providing guides and food as the expeditionary force marched towards Magdala, where the Emperor had fortified the mountaintop. The British force defeated the Abyssinian army at Arogye , on the plain facing Magdala, on 10 April 1868. With Tewodros' army so decisively defeated, many of his men began to desert and

14445-413: Was a powerful and highly influential figure. It is thought that Tewodros II's paternal side of the family carried with it a slim margin of Solomonic pedigree, however insignificant it proved when compared to the more prominently illustrious ancestries of some of his highborn rivals. Tewodros, in his reign, indeed claimed that his father was descended from Emperor Fasilides by way of a daughter. When Kassa

14580-466: Was a triumph for the thousands of TPLF-fighters who were killed, for the millions of Ethiopians who were victims of the country's biggest famine during the Derg regime, when some estimates put up to 1.5 million deaths of Ethiopians from famine and the Red Terror. Accordingly, he maintained that the big support it received from peasants and rural areas helped EPRDF maintain peace and stability. Foreign support

14715-448: Was abandoned by her husband when Menelik escaped from Magdala to return and reclaim his Shewan throne. She was subsequently remarried to Dejazmatch Bariaw Paulos of Adwa. When Menelik II was proclaimed Emperor of Ethiopia at Were Illu in Wollo shortly after the death of Yohannes IV , Woizero Alitash was among the first of the nobility to travel to Were Illu to pay homage to her former husband as

14850-667: Was appointed Chair of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). The group had been established following 4 February 2009 decision at the 12th AU Assembly of Heads of States to build a common Africa position on climate change in preparations for COP15. Prior to Meles' appointment, but in light of the AU's decision and the Algiers Declaration on the African Common Platform to Copenhagen , on 19 May 2009

14985-438: Was appointed as Prime Minister after the 1995 general election, and was chairman of the Tigray People's Liberation Front . Under his government, Meles encouraged privatization of government companies, farms, lands, and investments which reversed the previous Derg communist rule. Meles' government implemented ethnic based federalism as a response to what he considered to be the "old imperial rule of Amhara people ". Meanwhile,

15120-491: Was appointed as Prime Minister. His government reversed the communist policies of the Derg and progressively encouraged privatization of government companies, farms, lands, and investments. This socioeconomic and partial political liberalization within a federalist system, combined with a return of considerable foreign investment led to significant economic growth, double-digit in his last 9 years until his sudden death in 2012. His deputy Hailemariam Desalegn , assumed power, which

15255-478: Was awarded the Haile Selassie I Prize, a selective award given only to the most outstanding students. In 1975, Meles left the university to join the Tigray People's Liberation Front . Meles Zenawi was an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian . Meles was first with the Tigrayan National Organization (TNO), the forerunner of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Aregawi Berhe, a former member of

15390-501: Was away fighting. Within a few years, he had forcibly brought back under direct Imperial rule the Kingdom of Shewa and the province of Gojjam. He crushed the many lords and princes of Wollo and Tigray and brought recalcitrant regions of Begemder and Simien under his direct rule. He moved the capital city of the Empire from Gondar , first to Debre Tabor , and later to Magdala . Tewodros ended

15525-625: Was believed that FM radio stations were licensed under regional governments, community organizations and private companies. The government licensed seven regional state television transmission agencies, but there are not private broadcasters in the country. Meles government advocated "pro-poor" domestic policy. According to World Bank's East African leadership, the Ethiopian government ranked first to share GDP for "pro-poor" sectors. It also created regional development to Amhara Development Association, Tigray Development Association, Oromia Development Association and many others. Meles government worked

15660-455: Was born in Qwara west of Gondar , his father was an Amhara nobleman of the Qwara district named Hailegiorgis Woldegiorgis. His paternal grandfather, Dejazmatch Woldegiorgis, was a widely respected figure of his time. Dembiya was part of the large territory known as Ye Maru Qemas , which translates as "the taste of the honey" or literally "What has been tasted by Maru". This name was given to

15795-707: Was diverse; the Arab League , as well as Western nations, supported the EPRDF rebels against the communist Soviet -supported government (although the TPLF was at the time Marxist ) at the height of the Cold War. "What the implications of this will be in terms of relations between Ethiopia and the European Union, we will have to wait and see but I don't think you will be surprised if Ethiopia were to insist that it should not be patronised." The United States facilitated peace talks between different rebel groups including EPRDF and

15930-480: Was elected member of the leadership committee in 1979 and chairman of the executive committee of TPLF in 1983. He was the chairperson of both the TPLF and the EPRDF. After the EPRDF assumed power at the end of the Ethiopian Civil War in 1991. He was president of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia during which he paved the way for Eritrea to secede from the country . Meles stated that EPRDF's victory

16065-470: Was engaged in constant military campaigns against a wide array of rebels. Likewise, Abyssinia was also threatened by the encroachment of Islam as Muslim Turks and Egyptians repeatedly invaded Ethiopia from the Red Sea and from Sudan while the Muslim Oromo tribe was expanding throughout Central Ethiopia. Tewodros wrote a letter to Queen Victoria as a fellow Christian monarch, asking for British assistance in

16200-538: Was executed by the Derg government in 1975. He received primary education at Queen of Sheba Junior High School in Adwa. Because he started school at age 11 or 12 it took him 5 years to complete the regular 8-year program as he was able to skip grades. He then joined the prestigious General Wingate High school in Addis Ababa on full scholarship and completed high school in 1972. Upon graduating with honors from General Wingate, he

16335-422: Was fairly well-to-do, and indeed had inherited considerable land holdings from her own illustrious relatives from which to lead a comfortable life. Kassa's youth was probably not lived lavishly, but he was far from a pauper. Kassa was sent to school at the convent of Tekla Haymanot, between Gondar and Lake Tana . He took refuge when it was sacked by a defeated Dejazmatch Wube , who by burning and dismembering

16470-479: Was forced to make another start in life, and offered his services to Goshu. Kassa Hailu was born into a country rife with civil war , and he defeated many regional noblemen and princes before becoming emperor during time known as the Zemene Mesafint or "Age of the Princes". During this era, regional princes, and noble lords of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds vied with each other for power and control of

16605-681: Was getting better and we were expecting him to return to Addis Ababa. But he developed a sudden infection and died around 11:40pm last night. His body will be returned to Ethiopia soon. We have set up a committee to organise his funeral. More information will be released about that soon. As per Ethiopian law, Hailemariam Desalegn has now taken over the leadership. He will also be in charge of the Ethiopian military and all other government institutions. I would like to stress, nothing in Ethiopia will change. The government will continue. Our policies and institutions will continue. Nothing will change in Ethiopia. Desalegn will be confirmed by parliament. After his body

16740-442: Was held during his four-year presidency, which resulted in Eritrean secession from Ethiopia in 1993, but the two countries entered into a war owing to the territorial dispute from 1998 to 2000, during which 98,217 people were killed. In the 2005 general election , Meles's party EPRDF won and he remained as prime minister, while opposition parties strongly complained that the election was "stolen" and unfair. Shortly during and after

16875-705: Was initially poor, went 93% in 2004 from 72% in 1990, raising literacy rate from 50% in 1997 to 65% in 2002. Opposition parties contested those growth rate, stating double-digit inflation comes from a result of ruling party government economic failure. Ethiopia became the fastest growing countries in Africa. In 2000 general election , Meles reelected as prime minister, with opposition parties like United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) shared parliament seats. According to Ethiopian Human Rights Council , local UN staff, diplomatic missions, political parties, domestic non-governmental organizations, both general and regional elections were free and fair in most areas. However, there

17010-415: Was lost to the family and claimed by Empress Menen of Gondar. Kassa Hailu resorted to become a shifta , one who refuses to recognize his feudal lord. Kassa Hailu organized his own army in the plains of Qwara. When he became too powerful to ignore, as a way to deal with him without using force, he was named Dajazmach of Qwara and given the hand of Tawabach, the daughter of Ras Ali of Begemder, in 1845. Kassa

17145-1152: Was misconduct in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region , particularly in the Hadiya Zone . Ethiopia has expanded schools partially since 1990 without regional coverage. Meles rearranged school expanding scheme with million of Ethiopian birr; while his policy focussing around agricultural sector, the jobs in urban areas became declined, resulting in opposition from students and urban residents as well. In 1991, 27% of Ethiopian children attended school. The growth enrollment doubled to 77% and reached 85% in November 2006. As of 2005, there were 13,500 elementary schools and 550 secondary schools. Secondary schools were aided by satellite program called "School-Net". Under his leadership, many universities and colleges unprecedentedly expanded and constructed. Those higher institutions include Adama University , Jimma University , Mekelle University , and newly built Debub University . Other are Awassa College and Bahir Dar University . It also implemented various departments and faculties. and

17280-493: Was only confirmed by elections in 2015. Under the leadership of Hailemariam, the Tigray People's Liberation Front and EPRDF maintained the same policies until 2018, earning Ethiopia the status as the fastest-growing economy in Africa. While Meles introduced many social reforms, there was still a notable degree of political and media suppression, coupled with allegations of election meddling in 2005. The TPLF, drawn from only 6% of

17415-428: Was raised to the title of Ras and given Dembia as his fief. Ras Meshesha would remain a loyal friend of Emperor Menelik II until his death, and his descendants were regarded as among the highest nobility and the leading representatives of Tewodros' line. Tewodros II's much loved daughter, Woizero Alitash Tewodros, was the first wife of Menelik of Shewa who eventually became Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia. Woizero Alitash

17550-411: Was repatriated two days later, thousands of mourners congregated on streets from the airport to Meles' former residence to pay their last respects as his coffin, draped in the flag of Ethiopia , was accompanied by a military band. The event was attended by political, military, and religious leaders, as well as diplomats and his wife, Azeb Mesfin. The body lie in state . A declaration of national mourning

17685-408: Was seen by her family as an opportunity to get Dejazmatch Wube and his sons freed from imprisonment, and so they prevailed on her to marry the Emperor. However, while the conditions of their imprisonment were eased, Dejazmatch Wube and his sons were not released, deeply imbittering Empress Tiruwork against Tewodros. Already feeling that she had married far beneath her dignity to a usurper, the failure of

17820-511: Was thirty-seven years of age, of medium stature but possessing a well-knit muscular frame capable of ensuring any amount of fatigue – a noble bearing and a majestic walk – and he was the best shot, the best spearmen, the best runner, and the best horseman in Abyssinia. The French traveler Émile Jonveaux , described him as: The Négus Theodore, King of the kings of Ethiopia, had none of the insignia of sovereign majesty. Clothed very simply, he handled

17955-404: Was to proceed to Sudan to make inquiries about the slave trade there. After doing this, Cameron returned to Ethiopia. On Cameron's return, the Emperor became enraged when he found out that Cameron had not taken the letter to London personally, had not brought a response from the Queen, and most of all, had spent time traveling through enemy Egyptian and Turkish territories. Cameron tried to appease

18090-1056: Was very close to Tawabach and devoted to his marriage but his submission to Empress Menen was short-lived. In October 1846, he attacked and plundered Dembea, a city located due south of Gondar, and in January 1847 he went on to occupy Gondar. When Kassa unoccupied Gondar later that year, Empress Menen sent an army after him into north of Lake Tana. Kassa easily defeated the army and took the Empress as prisoner. Her son, Ras Ali of Begemder, chose to negotiate with Kassa; he gave Kassa all lands west and north of Lake Tana and Kassa in return released his mother (Prouty and Rosenfeld 1982, 60 ). The reconciled relationship with Empress Menen led him to join up with Ras Ali and Ras Goshu Zewde of Gojam. However, when conflict re-emerged yet again in 1852, Kassa retreated back to Qwara to re-strengthen his troops. In 1842 Tewodros invaded Egyptian-controlled Sudan from western Ethiopia, successfully capturing Metemma . However, he suffered

18225-422: Was very young, his parents divorced and Woizero Atitegeb moved back to Gondar taking her son with her. Not long after their departure, however, news reached them that Kassa's father had died. Popular legend states that Kassa's paternal relatives split up the entire paternal inheritance, leaving young Kassa and his mother with nothing and in very dire circumstances financially. In hard times, his enemies came up with

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