Haile Selassie, born Tafari Makonnen on July 23, 1892, in Ejersa Goro, Harar province, Ethiopia, was the last Emperor of Ethiopia and a prominent figure in the fight against Italian occupation during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. Here is a brief biography of Haile Selassie:
Early Life:
- Haile Selassie was born into the nobility of the Ethiopian region of Harar. His father was Ras Makonnen, the governor of Harar, and his mother was Yeshimebet Ali.
Rise to Power:
- Tafari Makonnen became governor of Sidamo province in 1906 and then Ras (a noble title) in 1916. He served as regent for Empress Zauditu from 1916 to 1930.
Emperor of Ethiopia:
- In 1930, following the death of Empress Zauditu, Tafari Makonnen ascended to the throne and took the regnal name Haile Selassie, meaning “Might of the Trinity.”
Italian Invasion and Exile:
- In 1935, Italy, under Benito Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia. Haile Selassie led his country in resisting the invasion and appealed to the League of Nations for support, delivering a famous speech. However, the League’s response was inadequate, and Ethiopia was occupied by Italy.
- Haile Selassie went into exile, spending time in several countries, including England.
Return to Ethiopia:
- With the help of Allied forces, Ethiopia was liberated in 1941, and Haile Selassie returned to his throne.
Modernization Efforts:
- Haile Selassie initiated a series of modernization reforms in Ethiopia, including the introduction of a constitution and the establishment of a centralized government.
OAU and Pan-Africanism:
- Haile Selassie was a leading figure in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU). He was a strong advocate for Pan-Africanism and the unity of African nations.
Drought and Famine:
- In the 1970s, Ethiopia faced severe drought and famine. The government’s handling of the crisis was criticized, and discontent grew among the population.
Overthrow and Later Life:
- In 1974, amidst political unrest and military coups, Haile Selassie was deposed. He spent the rest of his life under house arrest.
- Haile Selassie died on August 27, 1975, under unclear circumstances. His death was officially attributed to respiratory failure, but there have been persistent rumors of foul play.
Legacy:
- Haile Selassie is remembered for his efforts to modernize Ethiopia, his role in resisting Italian occupation, and his contributions to the Pan-African movement.
- He is also considered a religious and cultural figure by the Rastafari movement, which regards him as the messiah and a symbol of African pride and resistance.
