Emperor Haile Selassie I, born as Tafari Makonnen on July 23, 1892, in the region of Harar, Ethiopia, was a defining figure in Ethiopian and global history. He belonged to the Solomonic Dynasty, which claimed descent from the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Haile Selassie's early life was marked by a solid education and an upbringing within Ethiopian nobility, thanks to his father Ras Makonnen, a key military leader and governor.

Haile Selassie rose to prominence during the reign of Emperor Menelik II, his relative, and was appointed governor of the province of Sidamo and later of Harar. His influence grew as Menelik’s health declined, and Selassie consolidated power by skillfully navigating the complex court politics of Ethiopia. In 1930, following the death of Empress Zewditu, Haile Selassie ascended to the throne as Emperor of Ethiopia, officially adopting the regnal name "Haile Selassie," which means "Power of the Trinity."

His reign was characterized by an ambitious program of modernization. Haile Selassie sought to reform Ethiopia’s government, military, and education system, introducing Western influences while preserving Ethiopia’s sovereignty and traditions. He also worked on developing infrastructure and fostering international relations, joining the League of Nations in 1923, the first African nation to do so. His diplomatic efforts were aimed at both protecting Ethiopia from colonial powers and positioning the country as a leader in African and global politics.

However, Haile Selassie’s reign was interrupted in 1935 when fascist Italy, led by Benito Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. Despite a valiant defense by Ethiopian forces, the Italians succeeded in occupying the country, and Haile Selassie was forced into exile in 1936. He spent the next five years in the United Kingdom, working to garner international support for Ethiopia’s liberation. His appeal to the League of Nations, in which he famously denounced the Italian aggression, remains one of the most memorable speeches in international diplomacy.

In 1941, with the assistance of British and Allied forces, Haile Selassie was restored to the throne, marking the end of the Italian occupation. The post-war period was a time of reconstruction and renewed efforts toward modernization. Haile Selassie implemented new reforms, including the 1955 Constitution, which expanded the role of the parliament while still maintaining significant imperial authority. He also continued to play a prominent role on the international stage, becoming a symbol of African independence and unity. He was instrumental in the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which sought to promote solidarity among African nations and resist colonialism.

Despite his contributions to both Ethiopia and the broader African continent, Haile Selassie's later years were marked by increasing political unrest. Widespread dissatisfaction with the monarchy’s slow pace of reform, economic issues, and famine led to growing opposition, particularly from students, the military, and intellectuals. In 1974, a coup led by the Derg, a Marxist-Leninist military junta, forced Haile Selassie from power. He was placed under house arrest and died under mysterious circumstances on August 27, 1975. Although the official cause of death was reported as natural, many believe he was assassinated by the Derg regime.

Haile Selassie’s legacy is complex. He is revered by some, particularly within the Rastafarian movement, which views him as a messianic figure, while others criticize his autocratic tendencies and failure to address Ethiopia’s deep social inequalities. Nonetheless, his impact on both Ethiopia and African history is undeniable, as he remains a towering figure in the narrative of anti-colonialism and the struggle for African unity and sovereignty.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haile_Selassie