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Imru Haile SelassieEthiopian nobleman, soldier and diplomat
Date of Birth: 11.1892Год
Country:  Ethiopia |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Title and Appointments
- The Gojjam Rebellion
- Modernization in Gojjam
- Regent During War
- Emperor in Exile
- Capture and Imprisonment
- Post-War Diplomacy and Reform
Early Life and Career
Imru Haile Selassie was born into Ethiopian nobility as a cousin of the last emperor, Haile Selassie I. From childhood, he was a close companion of the emperor, and both were brought up by their father, Aynabeh Haile Selassie. Together with his father, Imru accompanied the future ruler on his first governorship in Sidamo Province.
Title and Appointments
By 1916-17, Imru held the title of Dejazmach and was appointed governor of Harar. In 1932, he was promoted to the rank of Ras and assigned to govern Gojjam Province. Imru's appointment came after the removal of Ras Hailu Tekle Haymanot for alleged treason.
The Gojjam Rebellion
Upon arriving in Gojjam, Imru faced rebellion by Fitawrari Addamsu, an illegitimate son of Ras Hailu. Addamsu briefly seized control of Debre Markos on September 30th, but later surrendered and apologized to the emperor.
Modernization in Gojjam
Despite the rebellion, Imru implemented reforms to modernize the province. These changes benefited both manufacturers and merchants, earning him allies among Gojjam's elite. However, to many, he remained an outsider, seen as the emperor's emissary.
Regent During War
In May 1935, Imru was appointed regent. During the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, he commanded his province's army as well as the left flank of the northern front. His surprise counteroffensive into Italian-held territory threatened their advance but was halted by the use of chemical warfare.
Emperor in Exile
Following the defeat of the Ethiopian army, Haile Selassie fled with his family to advocate for Ethiopia at the League of Nations. Ras Imru was left in charge as acting emperor. He retreated to Gore in southwestern Ethiopia to rally forces and continue the resistance.
Capture and Imprisonment
To fund the rebellion, Imru needed revenue from the gold mines of Asosa. However, in July 1936, loyalist Sheikh Hodjali was expelled by Wellegga Oromo rebels, threatening Imru's foothold in the area. He was forced to retreat further southeast, pursued by Italian forces and eventually surrendered on December 19th, 1936. He was taken to Italy and imprisoned on the island of Ponza until the Italian surrender in 1943.
Post-War Diplomacy and Reform
After the war, Ras Imru served as ambassador to India and the United States. Later, he collaborated with his son, Mikael Imru, on land reform initiatives.
