The Lion of Judah rises: How Haile Selassie outmaneuvered rivals to become Emperor of Ethiopia

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The story of Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, is a compelling narrative of ambition, political acumen, and the skillful navigation of a complex and turbulent era. His ascent to power wasn’t a straightforward inheritance; rather, it was the culmination of shrewd strategising, calculated risk-taking, and the exploitation of shifting politics.

This article describes the intricate web of events, personalities, and rivalries that paved the way for Tafari Makonnen’s transformation into the iconic figure known as Haile Selassie, the “King of Kings”, while paying special attention to the context of Ethiopian history, the competing power factions, and the modernisation efforts that marked his reign.

Early life and shaping influences

Born on July 23, 1892, in the quiet town of Ejersa Goro, near Harar in eastern Ethiopia, Tafari Makonnen’s early life was marked by both privilege and profound loss. His father, Ras Makonnen Wolde-Mikael, the governor of Harar, was a powerful and influential figure who played a critical role in the region’s development.

Ras Makonnen’s leadership was characterised by an inclusive approach that not only secured the loyalty of the Muslim majority in Harar but also brought the Oromo people under his administration. His administrative skills, the ability to garner support from diverse ethnic groups, and his commitment to peace provided an important lesson in leadership for his young son.

Tragically, Tafari’s mother, Princess Yeshimebet, died shortly after giving birth to her second child, leaving Tafari motherless at a very young age. Despite his loss, Ras Makonnen ensured his son received a broad and exceptional education. This dual approach to education reflects Ethiopia’s history of internal tradition and its growing awareness of external influences.

Tafari became fluent in Amharic, Ge’ez, and notably, French, a skill that was rare among Ethiopians at the time. This fluency in a European language would serve as a crucial asset in later years, allowing Tafari to engage directly with the world on Ethiopia’s own terms.

Navigating a complex political landscape

The death of his father in 1906 marked a turning point. Instead of inheriting the governorship of Harar as might be expected, Tafari was passed over in favour of his half-brother, Yilma. This disappointment, however, would be a catalyst for his further growth.

Emperor Menelik II, recognising Tafari’s potential, brought him to court and took responsibility for his continued education. This period was formative, as Menelik’s reign itself was a transformative epoch for Ethiopia.

Menelik had unified the fragmented provinces of Ethiopia, regaining control over lost territories, and established Ethiopia as an independent nation capable of resisting European colonial encroachment. His most significant achievement, the victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896 against the Italians, solidified Ethiopia’s status as a beacon of independence on the African continent.

Menelik’s leadership also involved modernisation efforts, from technological advancements in the capital of Addis Ababa to the initiation of the country’s first steps towards abolishing slavery. Observing this firsthand, Tafari learned invaluable lessons about the nature of power, the importance of modernisation, and the need to protect Ethiopian sovereignty.

When his half-brother, Yilma, died in 1907, Tafari was passed over once again for the governorship of Harar, which was given to Dejazmach Balcha Safo, a hero of Adwa. However, to placate Tafari, Menelik appointed him the governor of Darassa in Sidamo province, an area previously managed by Balcha.

It was during his relatively brief eighteen-month tenure that Tafari further refined his leadership skills, learning the complexities of managing diverse communities and resolving local disputes effectively. This practical experience would be crucial in the future.

The succession crisis and the rise of Lij Iyasu

Emperor Menelik’s health began to decline after 1906, creating a volatile political situation as no clear heir had been established. Menelik’s wife, Empress Taytu Betul, an intelligent and politically savvy woman, used the opportunity to wield considerable power. Empress Taytu, in an effort to solidify her position, allied herself with Princess Zewditu, Menelik’s daughter from an earlier marriage.

Another influential contender emerged in the form of Ras Mikael, the prince of Wollo. His son, Lij Iyasu, was Menelik’s grandson and thus, a legitimate claimant to the throne. Ultimately, Menelik chose Lij Iyasu to be his successor, appointing Ras Tessema Nadew as his regent. However, this decision faced resistance from Taytu and her supporters who expected to wield more power under the regency. In the ensuing power struggle, Tessema was able to neutralise Taytu’s influence.

Amidst this upheaval, Tafari strategically maintained a neutral position, showcasing his awareness of political dynamics and his ability to bide his time. When Dejazmach Balcha was unexpectedly recalled to Addis Ababa, Tafari seized the opportunity to become the new governor of Harar.

This appointment marked a turning point, as it highlighted the growing tension between Tafari and Lij Iyasu, who was now Menelik’s designated successor. Iyasu perceived Tafari as a threat because of Tafari’s lineage which linked him to the Solomonic dynasty, a necessary qualification for any contender for the Ethiopian throne.

In a bid to quell the rivalry, Ras Tessema orchestrated an oath between the two cousins, with Iyasu promising not to interfere with Tafari’s governorship and Tafari swearing loyalty to Iyasu’s claim to the throne. However, this oath merely masked the underlying tensions. With the death of Tessema in 1911, and Menelik’s complete withdrawal from public life, the young Lij Iyasu quickly seized control of the throne, declaring himself de facto ruler at the young age of fourteen.

The downfall of Iyasu and the ascent of Tafari

Lij Iyasu’s reign was marked by inexperience and chaos. He dismissed seasoned officials, appointed inexperienced replacements, and angered the regional princes. Moreover, Iyasu sought religious reconciliation between the Christian majority and the Muslim minority of Ethiopia, which led to rumours of a secret conversion to Islam, challenging the Christian-centric foundation of the Ethiopian monarchy. Iyasu’s actions created a significant amount of instability within the realm and created an environment ripe for his removal.

Iyasu’s interference in Harar, disregarding Tafari’s authority, and his eventual dismissal of Tafari from his position served as the final catalyst. A group of powerful Ethiopian nobles, led by the Minister of War, Habte Giyorgis, accused Iyasu of treason and abandoning the Christian faith and excommunicated him.

Menelik’s daughter, Princess Zewditu, was declared empress, and Tafari Makonnen was appointed regent and heir apparent, elevating him to the rank of Ras, second only to the emperor. This was a calculated move that strategically positioned Tafari, a direct descendant of the Solomonic dynasty, to eventually claim the throne.

Ethiopia was thrown into civil war as Iyasu marched towards Addis Ababa. He was met with resistance from the imperial army and was ultimately forced to retreat. Iyasu’s hope now rested on his father, Ras Mikael, but his army was defeated at the Battle of Segale and Mikael was captured.

While Tafari had his role in Iyasu’s deposition, he chose not to revel in Iyasu’s downfall, showcasing a diplomatic approach that sought to unify rather than divide. Ultimately, Iyasu went into hiding before being captured and placed under strict custody.

Tafari’s regency and the road to emperor

Following the crowning of Zewditu as Empress in 1917, Tafari, now Ras, became her regent and the de facto ruler of Ethiopia. Under his regency, Ethiopia experienced economic growth, largely fuelled by the coffee trade. He took the opportunity to modernise the nation’s administration, facing resistance from regional leaders who fiercely guarded their autonomy.

One of the most significant challenges came from Dejazmach Balcha Safo, the governor of Sidamo. Balcha had been a constant thorn in the side of Ras Tafari. Balcha was ordered to travel to Addis Ababa, but instead arrived with a formidable force.

In a masterful display of political maneuvering, Tafari managed to neutralise Balcha by bribing his troops. Deprived of his army, Balcha was arrested, sending a powerful message that Tafari would not tolerate dissent.

Tafari continued his ascent by securing the title of Negus, the King of Gondar, in 1928, with mounting pressure from his allies forcing Empress Zewditu to concede. This move positioned him as a key figure, second only to the Empress. Following a second rebellion led by Empress Zewditu’s former husband, Ras Gugsa Welle, Tafari again solidified his power and cemented his political position.

The death of Empress Zewditu in 1930 removed the last obstacle to Tafari’s ultimate ambition and left no doubt that he was destined to be the next Emperor of Ethiopia.

Haile Selassie: Emperor of Ethiopia

On November 2, 1930, Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned Emperor Haile Selassie I. His coronation was a meticulously crafted ceremony, blending ancient Ethiopian tradition with aspirations for modernisation. He adopted the title of “Haile Selassie I, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Elect of God, the Negusa Nagast, the King of Kings”, reinforcing his connection to the Solomonic dynasty and solidifying his divine right to rule.

Selassie further solidified his power by crowning his eldest son, Asfaw Wossen, as crown prince, establishing a clear line of succession and departing from Ethiopia’s tradition of contested successions. He initiated major reforms with Ethiopia’s first written constitution in 1931. While the regional princes retained authority over their territories, their powers were now firmly subordinate to the Emperor.

However, opposition to the reforms arose. Ras Hailu Tekle-Haymanot, ruler of Gojjam, opposed the reforms and even attempted to free the deposed Lij Iyasu in 1932. The plot was swiftly uncovered, and Hailu was arrested and imprisoned for life. Selassie appointed his loyal cousin, Imru Haile Selassie, as the new governor of Gojjam. As for Lij Iyasu, he disappeared from the public eye, the circumstances of his disappearance only adding to the legends surrounding him.

The final challenge facing Haile Selassie’s reign came with the rise of Benito Mussolini and the fascist Italy in the mid 1930’s. In 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia, marking the start of the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. The invasion was a direct assault on Ethiopia’s sovereignty, but it was also a test of Haile Selassie’s leadership and the enduring legacy he worked so hard to create.

Conclusion

Haile Selassie’s rise to power was a masterclass in political manoeuvring, strategic alliances, and calculated risk-taking. From a young man navigating the complexities of court politics to an Emperor who unified and modernised his nation, Haile Selassie demonstrated an extraordinary ability to learn from his experiences and utilise opportunities.

He navigated a complex political landscape, skillfully neutralised rivals, and centralised power under his rule. His reign would be tested by the Italian invasion, but the path he paved to the throne solidified his place in history. He became a symbol of Ethiopian sovereignty and a beacon of African resistance to colonialism, leaving behind a legacy that remains the subject of both admiration and critical analysis.

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