By: Fitsum Getachew
Few Ethiopians are unfamiliar with the name Abebe Aregaye. This recognition often stems from the numerous schools, roads, and memorials named in his honor throughout Ethiopia. However, many people are not fully familiar with Ras Abebe's extensive achievements, his indomitable struggle to liberate the nation from Fascism, and his enlightened leadership of the Resistance movement during the years 1935-1941. His unwavering commitment to rejecting any form of foreign domination over his country is perhaps the most enduring quality people associate with Ras Abebe. Yet, he was more than just a resistance fighter. After bravely contributing to the liberation of his country, Ras Abebe, known as 'Abba Gessit,' also served in key government positions under Emperor Haile Selassie. It was most likely this service that ultimately led to his being blacklisted by the masterminds of the abortive December 1960 coup led by the Neway Brothers, tragically costing him his life.
It has often been said that the history of many of our national heroes, particularly those who did not live to see better times, has yet to be adequately documented, researched, and narrated for the current generation. Many scholars confidently assert that Ethiopia is a historic country by any standard, yet its records are scattered across libraries and museums in Europe—some looted during foreign invasions, others stolen by thieves and sold to tourists and adventurers by Ethiopians. It has been observed multiple times that Ethiopian students are often better versed in foreign cultures and history than their own. The heroic deeds of individuals like Ras Abebe have risked being forgotten without receiving due attention. The book on the life of Ras Abebe Aregaye, 'Abba Gessit,' authored by the late Dr. Abera Jembere around 2005, represents a significant step forward in bridging this gap.
Today, it is gratifying to note that a substantial number of renowned history researchers and academics in Ethiopia are continuously publishing their works, despite the high cost of paper and publishing. All these efforts will eventually contribute to a better understanding of our country and the psyche that shapes our society. Such knowledge, in turn, will help enhance the much-cherished democratization and development efforts currently underway. Hence, history can truly be seen as a locomotive of transformation.
Among the scholars who have recently shown marked interest in Ethiopian history is the late Dr. Abera Jembere, a versatile scholar and Associate Professor of Law at Addis Ababa University. The publication of the biography of Ras Abebe Aregaye, 'Abba Gessit,' by Dr. Abera gives the author immense credit for contributing to making known the personality of patriots like Ras Abebe Aregaye. Whenever we observe Patriots Day, such figures remind us of the enormous sacrifices our forefathers paid to hand us a free country.
Dr. Abera's book is titled "Abba Gessit, Ras Abebe Aregaye" and is a Shama Books publication. 'Abba Gessit' refers to a person's name associated with their horse. 'Abba' signifies ownership or fatherhood, while 'Gessit' is the proper name of the horse. It is a tradition among illustrious people, nobility, and generals in Ethiopia to be identified in association with the names of their horses. To cite a few examples: Emperor Tewodros was known as 'Abba Tatek,' Emperor Yohannes as 'Abba Bezbiz,' Emperor Menelik as 'Abba Dagnew,' Emperor Haile Selassie as 'Abba Tekil,' his father Ras Makonnen as 'Abba Kagnew,' and Dejazmach Balcha as 'Abba Nefso.'
Who exactly was 'Abba Gessit'? Dr. Abera outlines the major and essential traits of Ras Abebe in this 175-page book, structured and narrated in the form of a novel. It primarily focuses on the darkest and perhaps most significant moments in Ras Abebe's life. This period could also be considered the most challenging for modern Ethiopia: the Battle of Maichew in the north had just concluded with the humbling of Ethiopian troops (the Fascists used air power and napalm bombs!); the Emperor's exile to "conduct a 'diplomatic battle' at the League of Nations" had occurred, resulting in the Fascist military occupation of Ethiopia. Mussolini boasted in Rome at Piazza Venezia that Ethiopia had become an Italian colony. He believed he had realized his dream of establishing L'Africa Orientale Italiana (AOI), consisting of Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. All of this was a prelude to the bitter Resistance Movement conducted by brave Ethiopian patriots such as 'Abba Gessit.'
The narrative recounts how 'Abba Gessit' utilized all his talent, intelligence, military knowledge, and prestige to mobilize and harness the men and women at his disposal to continue fighting the enemy with vigor and hope, despite the interminable challenges posed by a formidably well-armed and motivated adversary. Besides technology and military might, Mussolini deployed vast human resources and lavish sums of money, which would eventually lead to Italy's bankruptcy, so grand was the Duce's ambition in Ethiopia. The constructions he undertook and the gifts and bribes offered to buy off resistance fighters and certain nobility cost him millions.
However, the book does not limit itself solely to the Resistance Movement in the central part of the country, from which the hero hailed. It contextually narrates the challenges facing modern Ethiopia, including what followed and what had preceded the invasion. The book concludes with Ras Abebe's death by what could be termed 'friendly fire.' He fell victim to a moment of panic and indiscriminate massacre aimed at those perceived as responsible for the country's poverty and underdevelopment by a group of youths who dreamed of a new and modern Ethiopia. Ironically, Ras Abebe's life, which had survived the atrocious five-year Fascist occupation, numerous ambushes by local collaborators and traitors ('banda'), and the wounds from various gunshots sustained during battles, came to an end at the hands of his own 'revolution and freedom-seeking' compatriots!
During the Resistance movement, he risked death by courageously rejecting every peace proposal. He refused and forsook huge awards, appointments, and money offered by the Fascist leadership in exchange for collaboration, as many others did. He put the life and security of his wife and three young children at risk in defiance of any compromise with the enemy. He was undoubtedly one of the most heroic figures of 20th-century Ethiopia, yet he met his death by summary execution, ordered amid emergency, confusion, and panic. He certainly did not deserve such a destiny.
Dr. Abera narrates that Ras Abebe was born in North Showa in what was then called Tegulet and Bulga Awraja (Province), in Jeru Wayu woreda, at a hamlet called Abdella, on August 22, 1902. His father was Afe Negus (Chief Justice) Aregaye Becherie, while his mother was W/ro Askale-Mariam Gobena, daughter of Ras Gobena Dachie (one of Emperor Menelik's celebrated military chiefs). Thus, Ras Abebe's origins were not among the humblest, although his parents had risen significantly to acquire noble status through their achievements. Ras Abebe consequently benefited from a privileged and refined education and tutorship, as befitted his newly acquired class. He attended both traditional church school and modern school, joining the Tafari Makonnen School where he took lessons in French. As he grew older, he attended his father's court, learning how justice was administered. He then joined the Imperial Bodyguard, studying military science and being awarded the ranks of lieutenant and later captain.
When the Fascist invasion of Ethiopia erupted, 'Balambaras' (his early, modest traditional title) Abebe was chief of the 'City's security forces' ("ye Arada Zebegna," literally, 'the guardian of Arada,' the center of Addis) under the municipality. This was the first organized, uniformed force that served as the predecessor to the modern police. It was during these years that Ethiopia was beginning to familiarize itself with modern systems, organizing a modern legal system and new government institutions that were previously unknown (only to be aborted by the Fascist invasion!). When it was heard that Fascist forces were marching rapidly towards controlling Addis Ababa, 'Abba Gessit' decided not to surrender and opted to conduct guerrilla warfare, hiding in the backyards of North Showa, not far from the capital, where the friendly terrain offered him everything he needed. He did not need a map to navigate, which was a huge advantage against any foreign enemy, without underestimating the warm hospitality and unfailing support of the inhabitants.
'Abba Gessit' took his mother, wife, and three children, along with his faithful followers, to the area where he was to establish his military base and conduct relentless attacks on enemy forces. His method was intended to deny the occupying enemy any peace of mind, making him a persistent thorn in their side. Plans for permanent dwelling were constantly disrupted. When patriots Abraha Deboch and Moges Asgedom, two young Eritrean militants enraged by Fascist atrocities in Eritrea, attempted to assassinate the head of the occupation force, Marshal Graziani, at Sidist Kilo (the current site of Addis Ababa University), the enemy panicked and resorted to the most atrocious and indiscriminate massacre of innocent Addis residents. This included those who had reportedly sought refuge in the Debre Libanos Monastery, a hundred and ten kilometers west of Addis. It was then that the Resistance movement gained even more adherents, thanks to the outrage provoked. 'Abba Gessit' found many valiant and committed fighters following this tragic episode. February 20, 1937, remains one of the saddest chapters in the history of modern Ethiopia.
The book describes 'Abba Gessit''s first interactions with the people of the neighborhood where he arrived with a few of his faithful assistants. He is depicted briefing the people about the situation in Addis after his flight: that invaders were trying to enslave the Ethiopian people, and that a few collaborators were being bribed into accepting the false Fascist propaganda claiming they were civilizing the country and helping its citizens. 'Abba Gessit' urged his countrymen to heed the testimony of those who had fled Fascist dictatorship from nearby Eritrea. He outlined the injustices reserved for the indigenous population and warned that a similar fate awaited Ethiopians. He thus motivated the people to completely cast out the Italians and reject any compromise over freedom.
He convinced people of all ranks and trades, gaining full consensus about the need to fight back and never surrender, emphasizing the necessity of a defined strategy suited to the circumstances. He then offered his leadership, initially in a very limited area, but later became the coordinator of numerous battalions of patriots organized by other leaders as well. It was then that he was bestowed with the prestigious rank of 'Ras,' literally 'head' of warriors. 'Abba Gessit' not only possessed knowledge of war strategies but also exhibited statesmanship and legal scholarship. His charisma was so marked that everyone agreed to fight to their last breath under his direction. The movement he initiated in Jeru, near Debre Berhan, eventually culminated in the return of the Emperor from exile in England and the liberation of Ethiopia from Fascist forces. 'Abba Gessit' was subsequently given the title of 'Major General' by the Emperor and assumed the post of chief of staff and later Minister of Defence.
'Abba Gessit' is a mythical figure among the Resistance movement, consistently posing a challenge for the local Fascist leadership, who never managed to capture him. He continuously changed positions and fought both overtly and covertly, at times strategically retreating, at others facing the enemy head-on depending on contingencies. On one occasion, he engaged in protracted negotiations and a sort of ceasefire with the enemy while attempting to allow his army to recover from the wounds and losses of earlier battles (thus buying time). When he was ready, he found a pretext to interrupt the negotiations and resumed his battle.
Dr. Abera Jembere's book has stimulated a renewed interest among scholars to study personalities like 'Abba Gessit' more profoundly. The younger generation needs to capitalize on this great tradition of valor. Studying history should begin in one's own backyard before expanding to exploring beyond the frontiers.