THE BIOGRAPHY OF BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ MÄKONNEN (1901 ...

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History Thesis and Dissertations

2018-11-12

THE BIOGRAPHY OF BITWÄDÄD

ADANÄ MÄKONNEN (1901-1983 G.C)

BIRUK, ESHETIE

http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/9149

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BAHIRDAR UNIVERSITY

FUCULITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT

THE BIOGRAPHY OF BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ MÄKONNEN

(1901-1983 G.C)

A THESIS PRESENTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

BY: BIRUK ESHETIE

ADVISOR: TEGAB BEZIE (PhD)

AUGUST 2018

BAHIR DAR, ETHIOPIA

BAHIRDAR UNIVERSITY


DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT


(1901-1983 G.C)

MA THESIS SUBMITED TO DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE

MANAGEMENT IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OF ART IN HISTORY AND HERITAGE

MANAGEMENT

BY:

BIRUK ESHETIE

August 2018

BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE PROGRAM


DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND

HERITAGE MANAGEMENT


(1901-1983G.C)

APPROVED BY BOARD OF EXAMINERS

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Chair Person

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Advisor

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Internal Examiner

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External Examine

August 2018

Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ MÄKONNEN (1901-1983G.C)

i

Table of content

Table of contents ........................................................................................................... i LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................................................. III ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ......................................................................................................................................... IV ACRONYMS ......................................................................................................................................................... V KEYS TO TRANSLATIONS .................................................................................................................................... VI PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................................ VII ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................................................... IX

CHAPTER ONE .................................................................................................................................................... 1 EARLY CHILDHOOD LIFE AND FAMILY BACKGROUND OF BITWÄDÄDADANÄ MÄKONNEN .. 1

1.1 GENEALOGICAL LINE AND PROGENITOR OF ADANÄ MÄKONNEN ............................................................ 1 1.2 THE BIRTH AND BOYHOOD LIFE OF LEJ ADANÄ MÄKONNEN ................................................................... 3 1.3 LIFE AND CAREER OF ADANÄ MÄKONNEN BEFORE ITALIAN INVASION .................................................. 8

CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................................................. 11 THE ROLE OF QÄÑAZMACH ADANÄ MÄKONNEN AGAINST ITALIAN OCCUPATION ................ 11

2.1 ITALIAN INVASION ........................................................................................................................................ 11 2.2 THE OCCUPATION OF GONDAR, WÄLQAIT ȚÄGÄDÉ AND ARMAÇIHO ........................................................... 13 2.3 THE BEGINNING OF NATION-WIDE RESISTANCE AND THE ROLE OF QÄÑAZMACH ADANÄ IN CASE OF THE

STUDY AREA ....................................................................................................................................................... 16 2.4 MAJOR ENGAGEMENTS OF QÄÑAZMACH ADANÄ MÄKONNEN AGAINST FASCIST INVADERS ......................... 19

2.4.1 The Armaçiho Däbäz Battle ................................................................................................................. 19 2.4.2 The Țägädé Shammri Battle and the Yayra Massacre ......................................................................... 20

2.6 FASCIST ITALIANS ATTEMPT TO CONVINCE QÄÑAZMACH ADANÄ MÄKONNEN FOR NEGOTIATION ............... 23 2.6.1 The Battle of Abbo-Dengay .................................................................................................................. 26 2.6.2 The battle of Adét- Sefra-Aläqa ............................................................................................................ 28 2.6.3 The Battle of Gämäro ........................................................................................................................... 29 2.6.4 The Battle of Adét-Maygäna ................................................................................................................. 30

2.7 THE ȚÄGÄDÉ-MÄSFINTO BATTLE AND THE LIBERATION OF ȚÄGÄDÉ FROM FASCIST OCCUPATION ............. 32 2.7.1 The Battle of Wälqait, Zerbebit, Atkuarobär and Adiharo ................................................................... 34

2.8 PATRIOTS POWER CONSOLIDATION ............................................................................................................... 35 2.8.1 The Battle of Janora-Qänƫa .................................................................................................................. 37 2.8.2 The Battle of Adi-kokob-Wälqait .......................................................................................................... 37 2.8.3 The Battle of Tälälo and Kesad-Gemal ................................................................................................ 41 2.8.4 The second Battle of Mäsfinto .............................................................................................................. 43 2.8.5 The Battle of Țägädé-Gulqua ............................................................................................................... 46 2.8.6 The Battle of Däbrä-Hawaria and Hamus-Gäbäya ............................................................................. 50

2.9 THE INTERVENTION OF BRITISH, THE LIBERATION OF NORTH WESTERN REGIONS OF ETHIOPIA AND THE

ROLE OF DÄJJAZMACH ADANÄ ........................................................................................................................... 53 2.9.1 The Battle of Armaçiho ......................................................................................................................... 55 2.9.2 The Battle of Dabat-Telagé .................................................................................................................. 57 2.9.3 The Battle of Mäsqäläko-Däbarq ......................................................................................................... 59 2.9.4 The Battle of Wulkefit-Däbarq ............................................................................................................. 60

2.10 THE LIBERATION OF GONDAR..................................................................................................................... 61 CHAPTER THREE ............................................................................................................................................. 64 LIFE AND CAREER OF DÄJJAZMACH ADANÄ IN THE POST LIBERATION PERIOD ..................... 64

3.1 POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF DÄJJAZMACH ADANÄ IN THE POST LIBERATION PERIOD ................................ 64 3.2 FASCIST ATTEMPTS TO ASSASSINATE DÄJJAZMACH ADANÄ. ........................................................................ 67 3.3 REWARDS AND GIFTS TO BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ ................................................................................................ 71 3.4 ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ ................................................ 74

CHAPTER FOUR ................................................................................................................................................ 79 THE FALL OF THE MONARCH AND BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ’S RESISTANCE AGAINST DÄRG......... 79

4.1 THE FALL OF THE MONARCH ........................................................................................................................ 79

ii

4.2 THE GENESIS OF RESISTANCE AGAINST DÄRG AND THE ROLE OF BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ MÄKONNEN ............... 81 4.3 THE COURSE OF THE RESISTANCE ................................................................................................................ 85 4.4 THE FORMATION OF ETHIOPIAN DEMOCRATIC UNION/ EDU/ AND MAJOR ENGAGEMENTS OF BITWÄDÄD

ADANÄ MÄKONNEN AGAINST DÄRG .................................................................................................................. 87 4.4.1 The battle of Abdulrafi.......................................................................................................................... 90 4.4.2 The Battle of Humära-Shäwaräs .......................................................................................................... 91 4.4.3 The various Engagements in Wägära Awraja ...................................................................................... 92

4.5 THE DECLINE OF EDU AND THE FINAL YEARS OF BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ MÄKONNEN ....................................... 99 4.6 BURIAL CEREMONY OF BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ ................................................................................................. 106 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................................... 110 BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................................. 112 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ....................................................................................................................................... 124 DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................................ XXXVII

iii

List of Figures Figure 1: Däjjazmach Adanä 1946 when he nominated as Governor of Wägära Awraja. (Photo adopted from

Liqu) .......................................................................................................................................................72

Figure 2: The various medal rewards of Bitwädäd Adanä (adopted from Liqu) ....................................................73

Figure 3: the pointed one is Bitwädäd Adanä, and other fighters dealing with the formation of EDU

1975(adapted from Lieu) ........................................................................................................................88

Figure 4: Major resistance area of EDU against Därg that headed by Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen (source adopted

from Masräsha) .......................................................................................................................................95

Figure 5: from left to right, General NägaTägäñe, Bitwädäd Adanä and Däjjazmach Berhanä-Mäsqäl Dästa 1983,

Khartoum (adopted from Liqu Ejigu) ...................................................................................................104

Figure 6:Cadaver of Bitwädäd Adanä performed religious requiem-prayer (photo adopted from Liqu) .............107

Figure 7: The Grave of Bitwädäd Adanä and his wife, yäsharäg Eräda(photo by researcher) .............................108

iv

Acknowledgement

First, I praise the almighty and omnipotence God that gave me patience and capability to carry on this

thesis. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my advisor Tegab Bezie(PhD) for his unreserved

guidance, supervision and constructive criticism. In spite of his workload, he sacrificed plenty of his

time in correcting the draft of this thesis.

I would also like to forward my heartfelt thanks to my families who carried much of the burden of my

undergraduate and graduate studies. My sincere thank goes to Yäshaläqa Yähualashät Märso who

introduced me to knowledgeable informants in Gondar and other parts of the study area and his first

hand information to construct the thesis. I would also like to express my deep thanks to Mulugeta

Fantahun for his continuous support to reconstruct the first writing of the research. My warmest

indebtedness goes to librarian who facilitated my work and helped me in searching archival materials in

various universities and organizations.

I would like to extend my thanks to my colleagues and those who helped me during my fieldwork. I

also express my heart full thanks to all of my informants who provided me with information while I

was conducting this study.

At last, I want present special thanks to my lovely wife Birtukan Mulugeta to her relent less endeavor

and patience that attributed a lot to the success of this work. Nevertheless, I always remember my best

BDU friends; Anemaw /Shaleqa from Quarit/, Biru/Aligaz of Dembya/, Bereket/field Marshal/,

Muhamed and other classmates. Thank you!

v

Acronyms

E.C - Ethiopian Colander

EDU- Ethiopian Democratic Union.

EPRP- Ethiopian People Revolutionary party.

EPLF- Eritrean People Liberation Front.

ELF- Eritrean Liberation Front.

IES- Institute of Ethiopian Studies.

Ms- Manuscripts

NALA- National Archive and Library Agency.

NGAOA- North Gondar Administration Office Archive center.

No- Number

OETA- Occupied Enemy Territorial Administration.

PhD- Philosophy of Doctorate.

PMAC- Provisional Military Administration Council.

vi

Keys to Translations

In writing Ethiopian names, the following translation system has adapted to write this thesis.

I. The seven Ethiopian alphabet sounds represented in the following way:

Vowels Symbols Examples

1st order (ge‗ez) ä Abäbä

2nd order (Ka‗eb) u Wubnäh

3rd order (sales) i Hiwot

4th order (rabe) a Sanja

5th order (hames) é Esheté

6th order (Sades) e Tekel Dengay

7th order (sabe) o Gondar

II. Consonants which have palatalized sound represented in the following way:

ቸ = Chä

ሸ = Shä

ኘ = ñä

VI. Consonants which have Glottalized sounds are represented as follows:

ጠ = Țä

ቀ = Qä

ጨ = Çä

ፀ = Śä

ጰ= Ṕä

ዠ= Žä

V. Germination sounds always written in the following way:

ተረፈ = Täräfä

ዘነበ= Zänäbä

vii

Preface

This thesis attempts to examine the biography of Bitwädä Adanä Mäkonnen. The period bounded with

his birth 1901 up to his assassination in 1983, which had four major themes. That is his lifetime before

Italian invasion, fascist invasion and the role of the late Bitwädä Adanä Mäkonnen against their

occupation, life and career in the post liberation period and his struggle against Därg.

The thesis has four chapters and numerous sub titles under each chapter. The first chapter examined

genealogical line and boyhood life experience of Bitwädä Adanä Mäkonnen. The second chapter deals

about the aggressive invasion of Italy and the role of Bitwädä Adanä against fascist, his major

engagements, military tactics and the course of those confrontations are the main themes. It also

discussed about the liberation of Northwestern regions of Ethiopia through coordinated efforts of

Bitwädä Adanä Mäkonnen with British force. Here, the magnificent role of Bitwädä Adanä elaborated

clearly. The third chapter discussed about life and career of Bitwädä Adanä in the post liberation

period. As he was governor of Wägära Awraja, his political, social and economical achievements are

examine detail. Here, due to his magnified political and economical deeds, he won numerous gold

medals from British and Ethiopian government. Those medals also incorporated under this chapter. The

last chapter that is chapter four emphasizes about the fall of monarchical government and his struggle

against the military rule. It also discussed about his major engagements against Därg, the formation of

EDU and his role, the final period of his life and his sudden assassination and his burial ceremony

discussed detail.

When I constructed this thesis, I used secondary and primary sources. Primary sources collected from

different archival centers such as Institute of Ethiopia/ IES/, National archival and library agency /

NALA/ Gondar Archival center, other personal reports and diaries possessed by different individuals

carefully utilized. The thesis further developed by inquiry information from different individuals who

had a direct linkage with each historical event and themes. These attempts carried out between January

and February 2018. The authenticity of that inquiry data crosschecked with archival evidences and

secondary sources. Secondary sources were collect from Addis Ababa University, Gondar University,

Bahir Dar University, Gondar public library and books that are available on markets had extensively

utilized.

viii

I have faced numerous difficulties when the thesis constructed. In spite of the existence of huge

archival materials in Gondar archive center, the center is not organized sources either thematically or

periodically. In fact, much of sources are expose to mouse and other insects that resulted to the damage

of many archives. Beyond such difficulties, much of documents have no folder and file number that is

difficult to show the location of files. However, I used the center extensively to construct this paper.

Moreover, all the new governments in Ethiopia destroyed much documents within their respective

ruling period. For instance, my attempts to dig out a new findings and archival sources at the center of

Wägära Awraja, Dabat come to fall due to the destruction of that center by TPLF and Därg.

ix

Abstract

The thesis comprises four chapters that examined the biography of Bitwädä Adanä Mäkonnen from his

birth 1901 up to his death in 1983. Since he was an eventful personality, there are various historical

events, which examined with the life of Bitwädä Adanä Mäkonnen.

The thesis comprises genealogical line and boyhood lifetime of Bitwädä Adanä Mäkonnen. It also

discussed about the process of his nomination to political titles and administration posts. The thesis

examined deeply about Italian invasion and the role of Bitwädä Adanä Mäkonnen against fascist

occupation North West regions of Ethiopia. Here, major battlefields that carried out between Bitwädä

Adanä and fascist also discussed detail. The thesis tried to examine the life and career of Bitwädä

Adanä in the post liberation period. Since Bitwädä Adanä was the governor of Wägära Awraja for 28

consecutive years, his political, social and economical achievements are examined detail. Besides to

this, the various gifts and rewards from different governmental and nongovernmental rewards are

included that witnessed the bravery of Bitwädä Adanä Mäkonan. The thesis also discussed about the

fall of monarchical government through popular revolution in 1974. There up on, the military

government took state power and proceeded its brutal rule. Here, the thesis discussed about the

reaction of Bitwädä Adanä with the military government. The thesis also comprises about the formation

of EDU and the major engagements of Bitwädä Adanä with Därg.

Finally, the paper discussed about the decline of EDU and the formation of new EDU, the disputes

between EDU and the conspiracy of EPRP, which resulted to the death of Bitwädä Adanä. The

customable and religious burial ceremony of Btwädäd Adanä also described with figurative manner.

1

CHAPTER ONE

EARLY CHILDHOOD LIFE AND FAMILY BACKGROUND OF BITWÄDÄD

ADANÄ MÄKONNEN

1.1 Genealogical line and progenitor of Adanä Mäkonnen

The genealogical pedigree of the late Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen comes up from royal family. He

originated from Solomonic dynasty that claims the tribe of Judah.1 In Ethiopia, the Solomonic

dynasty had been took the lion share ruling time that assumed its genealogy derived from king

Solomon of Judah.2

The descent of King Solomon of Judah directly related with that of the prominent Ethiopian woman

named Queen of Sheba. She visited King Solomon of Judah to verify the wisdom of the king and

returned towards her kingdom with seed of King Solomon. Sergaw describes by integrated the issue

with some Christian writings. ―With some variation, we find the some story in chronicles about this

fact: Jesus Christ said ―the Queen of the South shall rise up in the Judgment with this Generation, and

shall condemn it: for she comes from utter most part of the earth to hear the Wisdom of Solomon.‖3

Therefore, based on the above statement, Queen of Sheba is gate a son named Menilik I of King

Solomon of Judah. It is quite difficult to draw the exact period when the Solomonic dynasty did

begun; but much degree had given to Menilik I. This dynasty took the lion share reign time of

Ethiopian ancient and Medieval history by claiming the tribe of Judah. The dynasty terminated almost

from eight up to thirteen centuries. However, in 1270 the dynasty reinstated under Yäkuno-Amlak by

overthrow Zagwe Dynasty. Accordingly, since its restoration it remained on authority up to the fall

the fall of the monarchy in 1974 through popular revolution.

1 Informants: Dässẽ Molla, Getachäw, Garäd and Yähualashät Märso.

2 Harold G. Marcus, A History of Ethiopia (Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1994), p. 17.

3 Sergaw Hable Selassie, Ancient and medieval History of Ethiopia up to 1270(Haile Selassie University: United

press, 1971), p, 57; New Testament, Mathew, 12: 42.

2

Accordingly, the late Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen genealogical line is directly originated from the

solomonic dynasty. However, once upon a time the solomonic dynasty come to decline and replaced

by another one, the Zagwe dynasty that resulted to the termination of its ruling time. On that

movement, the solomonic line disrupted until 1270 AD; but, in 1270 the solomonic dynast was

restored by Atśé yäkuno-Amlak.4

The genealogical line of the late Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen is raise from Yäkuno-Amlak.

Accordingly, Yäkuno-Amlak be gate AgbaŚion; and AgbaŚion be gate Amdäśion. Amdäśion be gate

Śähay-Hezban of Kehamassé and Śähayhizban is gate Däban, Kefilu, Kiros and Gälawdewäs of

Lebnä Dengle. Gälawdewäs be gate Däjjazmach Feré-Mäskäl and Däjjazmach Wäldä-Hawariat; and

Däjjazmach Wäldä-Hawariat is gate Qawlos, Gebƫit and Awusabés of Wängelawit (the daughter of

king Susenyos). Awusabes be gate Mälkea-Mariam; and Mälkea-Mariam be gate Gindalbes; and

Gindalbes is gate Mamité and Azmach Zämariam of Keflä-Eyesus. Azmač Zämariam is Gate

Däjjazmach Akalé, Fesyä, Neus-Amdyä, Semeon and Selome. Däjjazmach Akalé is gate Wäldä-

kidan; and Wäldä-kidan is gate Worqé; and Worqé be gate Wänd-Afrash. Wänd-Afrash is gate

Mängäsha; and Mängäsha be gate Mäkonnen; and Mäkonnen be gate Adanä.5 This is on the side of

his father.

He is also derived from the kingships of solomonic line on the side of his mother. Therefore, Yäkun-

Amlak be gate Agbaśion; and Agbaśion be gate Amdäśion; and Amdäśion be gate Zärä-yaeqob; and

Zärä-yaeqob be ate Dawit II. Dawit II be gate Yeshaq; and Yeshaq be gate Baedä-Mariam; and

Baedä-Mariam be gate Naod. Naod be gate Lebnä-Dengl; and Lebnä-Dengl be gate Minas, Kizor,

Gälawdewäs, Yaeqob and Kiros. Minas be gate Gäram Fasil; and Gäram Fasil is gate Susenyos; and

Susenyos be gate Fasil. Fasil be Gate Śadiqu-Yohannes; and Śadiqu-Yohannes be gate Adiamsägäd-

Iyasu. Adiamsägäd-Iyasu is gate Mariamawit and Bäkafa; and Bäkafa be gate Asfa-Wäsän. Asfa-

Wäsän be gate Wäsän-Sägäd; and Wäsän-Sägäd be gate Leul-Sägäd. Leul-Sägäd is gate Lulayä; and

4 Bahru Zewde. A History of Modern Ethiopia 2nd ed. (Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa University Press, 2002), p. 8;

Marcus A History, p.30; Tadässä Tamrat, Church and State in Ethiopia, 1270-1527. (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1972), p.

9o.

5 The unpublished document that shows genealogical line of kingships that copied from Däbrä-Berhan Selassẽ

church which possessed by Getachäw. Informants: Getachäw and Dässẽ

3

Lulayä be gate Lulsämra. Lulsämra is gate Teku, Hailu, Abuharia, Sähalu, Abugaräd and Däjjazmach

Mamo. Däjjazmach Mamo is gate Fernus; and Fernus is gate Aƫädä and Enguday. Enguday be gate

Dästa of Sirayä Käbté; and Dästa be gate Yäwub-Säfär; and Yäwub-Säfär be gate Maryä. Maryä be

gate Bizunäsh; and Bizunäsh be gate Adanä.6 In such a way, he was born from royal family origin on

both sides of his generation.

1.2 The birth and boyhood life of Lej Adanä Mäkonnen

Lej Adanä was born from his father Mäkonnen Mängäsha and his Mother wäyzäro Bezunäsh Abäbä

on 3, February 1901 in Bägé-Meder and Semén provinces, Wägära sub province; particularly Țägädé

district; Adét Qäbällé.7 The father of Lej Adanä, Mäkonnen Mängäsha was popular and had great

respect in the area. He was proponent patriot that took part with Menilik‘s mobilization order against

Italians at Adwa in 1896. He had a considerable recognition about his campaign and returned to home

after the victory. Apart from his patriotic attribution, he was a leading personality to maintain law and

order of the area. He also rendered justice and judgments to the society. A traditional court rendered

justice to the society at a place what is now Maksäño-Gäbäya. The Grandfather of Bitwädäd Adanä

Mäkonnen named Mängäsha Wänd-Afrash was a notable governor of Tägädé and its surrounding that

granted the authority by the will of the people.8

The province, Bägé-Meder and Semén was located in the North Western regions of Ethiopia

particularly, northeast of Lake Ŝana. Its center was Däbr-Tabor for long period. Later on, after the

liberation period Gondar becomes the center of the province. The city Gondar is measured 748

kilometers distance from the center of Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa and 183 kilometers from Bahir

Dar city.9

6 Ibid; Informants: Dässẽ, Dolcha Berhané and Getachäw.

7 IES Ms 2393/07/02/9.1. Yä Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen açer Yä Hiwät Tarik(the short biography of Bitwädäd

Adanä Mäkonnena) EPDA. p.1; Liqu, p.3; Informants: Shumyä Wäldä-Selasé and Yähualashät.

8 Informants: Dasäw, Getachäw and Shumyä.

9 Yared Germa, Yä Gondar Tarik Kä Ityopia Tarik Anśar (A History of Gondar, contrasted with Ethiopian History)

(Ethiopia: MC Master University, 1997), p. 62.

4

With in the Province of Bägé-Meder and Semén, there were seven different sub provinces. Those

were Çelga with its center Aykäl, Däbrä-Tabor with its center Däbrä-Tabor, Gayent with its center

Nefas-Mäwça, Gonder with its center Gondar, Libo with its center Kämkäm, Semén with its center

Däbarq and Wägära with its center Dabat. Each sub province had also their respective districts and

sub districts. My steady area focused on Wägära Awraja, which adjoins, with Gondar Awraja in

South and South West, Semén Awraja in North and North East, Sudan and Eritrea province in North

and North West and Tigrai province in North that bounded by Täkäzé River. Wägära Awraja had fife

Districts namely Wägära District with its center at Amba-Gyorgis, Dabat District with its center at

Dabat town, Ŝägädé with its center at Qeraqer, Sätit-Humära with its center at Humära and Wälqait at

its center at Adirämäƫ.10

The district of Țägädé is located in the Northern tip of the present day North

Gondar Administration. Currently, the center of this district is called Qeraqer which far 108

kilometers far from Gondar city. The district adjoined river Täkäzé and Wälqait in the north, Däbarq,

Adi-Arqay and Wägära district in the east, Dabat and Armaçiho in the south and Sätit-Humära in the

Western direction.11

The settlement pattern of the study area traced back to 1000 B.C. The particular birthplace of Lej

Adanä, Ŝägädé said to have the home of patriots as early as its foundation, which brought a common

understanding among peoples that gave the area to be say ―Hagärä-Bäläw‖ which is literally meaning

that state of Bäläw. Literally, Bäläw means the name with the meaning of attack someone. The

traditional justification that verified the occupation of the study area stiffened by some customs of the

people that related with their living. Around 1000 B.C, the tribe named Yoqeƫan derived from South

Yemen and occupied the area.

When the tribes come to Ŝägädé, their leader called ItyoṔis. There, ItyoṔis be Gate four children

named Käläw, Bäläw, Saba and Noba. Accordingly, he gave domain areas to those children.

Therefore, Bäläw gained the area called Ŝägädé. In such a way, he formulates his own regulation and

governs the area called Ŝägädé, Medrä-Gäbäta, Däq-Agaro, Qolla Wägära and Dal-Dima. There, he

10 Informants: Aläbachäw, Mulugẽta and Shumyä.

11 North Gondar zone Administration Office Head that describes about the Environmental status quo of its Zone,

which illustrated in 1997 E.C. Informants: Aläbachäw Birrara and Dasäw Guday.

5

established old naves that used to worship traditional religion. Through time has been gone he also set

some local regulations which used to run his administration. Those local regulations had integrated

with the law of Oriet and used to govern the people. Another traditional thought about the settlement

of Ŝägädé is as if it derived from Agäw ethnic and Jewish tribes.12

Some others still said as if the people migrated from South Arabia. For demographic or economic

factors, the people of South Arabia started to migrate to Ethiopia. It is difficult to fix the exact date of

the migration took place however; it can be state that the first migration took place 1000B.C. partly it

was predicted as the nearness of the area to Northern tip of Ethiopia. Another justification that the

people derived from South Arabia coincided with trade relations and merchants attracted by the

environment that leads to a new Settlement.13

Regarding with religion, the people of this area adopted Christianity since first century A.D. In

Ethiopia, it said to have introduced by Syrian Monks, Abba Freminatos by 34 A.D through Northern

Ethiopia. Since the study area located in North Western tip of Ethiopia, it easily accessed to

Christianity and adopted it as early as Aksumite civilization. Moreover, the coming of Nine Saints

further extended in the area and built numerous churches and monasteries. For instance, there are

monasteries that established during the fourth and fifth century in this area. Such as the monastery of

Däbr-Moyena and Qedus Yaeqob a prominent ancient monasteries exist in the study area.14

The district has four types of environmental zones. That is highland, temperate, lowland and desert.15

Here, all types of the climate zone are existed in this district. The highland region of Tägädé is

suitable for the production of wheat, sorghum, barley, lentil and other spices production. The low

land region of Țägädé is effective in producing sesame, cotton and sorghum. The desert and some

parts of lowland of Țägädé had covered by a dense forest that served for hunting various animals.

12

Liqu, Ejigu, Yä Kebur Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen Abba Däfar Yä Hiwot Tarik 1901-1983 (Addis Ababa:

Artistic printing press, 2005) p. 4; Informants: Dasäw and Yähualashät.

13

Sergaw, Pp. 32-34.

14

Informants: Getachäw, Dolcha, Hailu and Yähualashät.

15

Țägädé district Administration office, that illustrated the nature of environmental and ecological data about the

District and its surroundings ; Informants: Yähualashät and Zämariam.

6

The Dense indigenous trees of this area served as the prior region to get a hard and large tree that

used to construct palaces and other important constructions. For instance, the mainstay of the huge

and remarkable Castel palace of Gondar, which built up in Seventeenth century constructed by a

strong tie of these trees. Such mainstay materials had been prepared and obtained from this area.

That tie was prepared from a type of tree called Däm-Bäqa (Ŝequr Ençät). The literal meaning of

Däm-Bäqa is stop revenge murder. Therefore, King Fasilädäs extensively used Däm-Bäqa tree, which

found in this area to construct the castle. During the Gondärian period, kings in their respective reign

time moved towards Țägädé dense forest for hunting elephants and other animals to witness their

bravery. Partly, they used this hunting campaign as a recreation.16

Țägädé district has full of mountains chin, which is the highland part that has relatively the cold

areas. These highland areas of the region estimated to measured 1500 meter above sea level On the

contrary, the hottest region of the present day North Gondar Administration is existed in the area that

approximately measured 42 degree centigrade. Since the area has diverse climate and environmental

zone, it comprises numerous ecological and natural existences. The economical sphere is highly

depended up on agriculture, which accommodate the majority of the people. Both the highland and

low land areas of the people extensively practiced mixed farming. In the crop growing areas of

Țägädé, people cultivate pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and root crops.17

In fact, the area is much

comfortable for the production of sesame that diverted much of the people to farm such market-

oriented production, which has a significant vale even for transactions at national level. Regarding

with herding animals, the high land Țägädé is comfortable to heard sheep, mule, hoarse, hen and

cattle. On the other hand, the lowland area is effective in herding cattle and goat. Apart from the

above agricultural production, the area is further suitable for bee keeping. Honey production is the

one fabulous thing in the area that becomes Țägädé to have said the home of honey. However,

traditional bee keeping is the most dominant type that hinders its productivity. In the caves and large

16

Informants: Dolcha, Getachäw and Shumyä.

17 Yared, p. 63.

7

trees, there exists formidable wild-bee honey that everybody can use such communal product. People

used honey as supplementary economic activity.18

Lej Adanä was born in this particular area and he was likable by his family. He trend upwards based

up on great respect and cultural values within his family and the society. When he was enough grew

to admit school, he attended religious education in Aznäbärär Qusqwam church. Doing this made him

to be fluent in speaking his mother tongue language, Amharic. The father of Lej Adanä, Mäkonnen

Mängäsha was famous in the area in representing the surrounding community with various issues. For

instance, he was ably negotiate disputes and litigant to everybody those who suppressed by someone.

In short, he was excellent in providing justice to the whole society with regardless of any difference.

In fact, it was a free service to the society.

Though he had no political authority in the area, he was able to formulate various rules and

regulations to the society. Thus, Lej Adanä often goes with his father and earns such better leadership

experience. That paves the way for his future positions and lessons.19

In such a way, Lej Adanä got

enough experience that able to substitute his father. In fact, Lej Adanä becomes more litigants over

various cases. This made Lej Adanä to be raise laud and got great acceptance in the community.

Some peoples in Țägädé stated, ―It shall lose rather than litigated with Adanä‖ regarding with

debating on various issues.20

Entirely, Lej Adanä had great respect and admiration from the society.

When Lej Adanä reached to marriage, depending up on the society‘s trend he made campaign for

hunting elephants in order to fulfill marriage qualification. Accordingly, he marched towards jungle

with his young brother named Negusu Mäkonnen. In such a way, both were killed an elephant for

each and dislodge the ivory in order to verify their braveness to the society and their family. By then,

the society and their parents made alarm welcome to Lej Adanä and his brother.21

This hunting

campaign was becomes beyond marriage qualification. Lej Adanä took the ivory towards the then

18 Informants: Dolcha, Getachäw and Yähualashät.

19 IES Ms 2393/07/02/9.1, EPDA. p.1; Informants: Getachäw, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

20 Informants: Dässé, Dolcha and Ethiopia Adanä.

21 Informants: Dässé, Getachäw and Shumyä.

8

Governor of Bägé-Meder, Ras Gugsa Wälé. He arrived on the court of Gugsa at Däbrätabor and gave

the ivory to Ras Gugsa in the form of gift.22

The courageousness of Lej Adanä attracted Ras Gugsa and he insisted to involve with in his military

category and administration. In such a way, Gugsa incorporated Lej Adanä to his military with better

salary. However, the parents of Adanä forced him to return to his home. Therefore, Adanä returned to

his birthplace and married Wäizäro Zäwditu Fäläkä based on the regulations of the societal culture.

LejAdanä was the second one in his family and had three brothers named Addisu Mäkonnen, Nigusu

Mäkonnen and Mamuyä Mäkonnen. He had also sisters named Azäzäč Mäkonnen /mother of

proponent patriots named Näga Näwätä, Wakshum Näwätä and Hailu Näwätä/, Zäwaläch Mäkonnen,

Yäruqnäsh Mäkonnen, Gänät Mäkonnen, čhaqlit Mäkonnen and Ayalnäsh Mäkonnen.23

Adanä be

gate Alganäsh, Tafässé and Ethiopia of wäizäro Zäwditu and Yigardu, Asäfa and Negusu of wäyzäro

Yäsharäg Eräda. Apart from thus, he has born Gezachäw, Yälfé, Manalé, Waňäw and Mängäsha.24

The late Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen was physically a handsome and approximately1.85 meters tall

with strong and huge nature of appearance.

1.3 Life and Career of Adanä Mäkonnen before Italian Invasion

Adanä was honest, brave, resolute, abide and he had strong nature of working sprite starting from his

boyhood time. Since the area was comfortable for shooting experience, he was a special sharpshooter.

The then Governor of Bägé-Meder, Gugsa Wälé saw the honesty and commitments of Adanä and

recalled him to Däbrä-Tabor. For some year, Adanä served as soldier of Gugsa until the battle of

Ančäm that carried out in 1930.25

The bravery of Adanä showed by Gugsa and he nominated to

another administrative post. While Däjjazmach Mälké nominated as governor of Dämbya, Armaçiho

22

Ibid.

23 Informants: Dolcha, Gétachäw, Gezachäw and Yähualashät.

24 Liqu, p. 5.

25. Shumyä Wäldä-Selassẽ ―The Patriots of Ŝägädé, 1936-1941‖ BA Thesis, Department of History, Addis Ababa

University, 1985 P. 1; Informants: Aläbachäw Birara, Dolcha and Yähualashät.

9

and Gondar, Adanä got the political title of Qäñazmach and nominated as the governor of Yayera and

Adét in Țägädé.

In 1930, Gugsa conflicted with the central government due to various reasons. On the one hand, he

was divorced with his wife Zäwditu mainly by the conspiracy of Ras Täfäri. On the other hand, his

aunt, Empress Ŝaytu ignored from Ethiopian political position. The above political conspiracy carried

out in order to save the Shäwan political supremacy. 26

Hence, Gugsa strongly opposed the central

government. In such a way, the central government marched a campaign against Gugsa in 1930. In

that year the force of Gugsa and Ras Täfäri met at the battle of Ančäm. 27

Qäñazmach Adanä took

part at this battle on the side of Gugsa wälé with his Young brother Mamuyä Mäkonnen. Even though

Gugsa lost that battle, Qäñazmach Adanä captured two shotguns. However, Qäñazmach Adanä hears

about the captivity of his brother, Mamuyä. Therefore, with hard up, downs, and diplomacy

Qäñazmach Adanä was able to release his brother from war prisoner and returned to their homeland,

Țägädé.28

After the defeat of Gugsa at, Emperor Hailé Selasse nominated Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän Kassa as

General Governor of Bägé-Meder and Semén province in 1930.29

Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän kassa

realized the diplomatic ability and bravery of Qäñazmach Adanä during his relentless endeavor to

release his brother. Finally, to check the honesty of Qäñazmach Adanä, Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän

Kassa gave one task for him. That was in 1933 that Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän gave a secret letter to

Qäñazmach Adanä that given to the Italian viceroy at Omnhajär, Eritrea. Qäñazmach Adanä

accompanied by 15 escorts gone towards across Wälqait and Țägädé desert and reached at Humära.

However, when he arrived at Humära the agents of Däjjazmach Ayaléw Biru arrested him for

detection. There up on, Qäñazmach Adanä was honest to Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän Kassa and keeps

up the secret letter. This resulted to 8 days detainment of Qäñazmach Adanä. Meanwhile,

Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän hears about the detection of Qäñazmach Adanä. Finally, the two head

26

Liqu, p. 6.

27 Marcus, A Histor, p.128.

28 Liqu p. 6; Bahru, A Modern, p. 138.

29 Shumyä, P. 2.

10

communicated and released Qäñazmach Adanä. After he released from detain continued his mission

towards Omnhajär. In 1933, he arrived at Omnhajär and gave the letter to Italian government agent.

In return, to the letter, Italian viceroy sent eight unknown packed boxes to Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän.

Qäñazmach Adanä returned with those boxes towards Däbrätabor and gave those boxes to

Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän. Therefore, the honesty and bravery of Qäñazmach Adanä won great

acceptance by Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän. In due course, Qäñazmach Adanä allowed his former

political position; that was the governor of Yayira and Adét with its tribute. Accordingly, Qäñazmach

Adanä effectively governed thus areas with honest and dutiful manner until Italian invasion. 30

30

Liqu, pp. 5-7; Informants: Dolcha, Yähualashät and Mulugéta Abuhay.

11

CHAPTER TWO

THE ROLE OF QÄÑAZMACH ADANÄ MÄKONNEN AGAINST

ITALIAN OCCUPATION

2.1 Italian Invasion

The development of industrial capitalism and industrialization in Europe in nineteenth century

intensified imperialism and colonialism. That led to conflict among Europeans seeking for huge

oversea colonies. This resulted to the destructive war, the First World War in which imperial counties

divided in to two major military alliances in the beginning of twentieth century. That military alliance

of Europeans stiffened and aggravated by series economic interests; that leads to the outbreak of

routine and destructive war.31

Moreover, the alliance accompanied by arm race competition and nationalism that drugged the world

in to destructive war that carried out between 1914 up to 1919.32

The war brought considerable

economic and political burdens on Europeans. More importantly, the defeated nation Italy and

Germany exposed to sever economic, social and economic crisis with in their country.33

This resulted

to riot and insurrection, especially, in Italy. This brought popular discontents among various classes

in Italy. It resulted to the coming of fascist party in 1922 under Mussolini.

Mussolini promised Italians as if he would sustain their economic and political crisis. Accordingly, he

sought over sea colonies seeking for economic advantage. Hence, Ethiopia was the prime target of

Mussolini for both economic and political purposes.34

Economically he wanted to gather raw

materials and controlled the lucrative trade route lines along the Mediterranean and red sea region in

31

Bahru, A modern, P.196; Raũl ValdésVivó, Ethiopia: the Unknown Revolution (de La Havana : Social Science

publishers,1978), p.72.

32 Marcus, A History, Pp. 146-148.

33 Alberto Sbachi, Ethiopia under Mussolini: Fascism and the Colonial Experience (London: Zed Books, 1985),

P.78.

34Angelo Del Boca, The Ethiopian War 1935-41 (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1969), p. 36, Bahru, A

Modern, pp.188-189; Mulugéta Fantahun, ―The patriotic resistance against Italians in Armaçiho, 1936-1941‖ MA Thesis,

Department of History and Heritage Management, Bahir Dar University, 2016 , p.7.

12

order to medicate his economic crisis. The political purpose of Mussolini was tend to erase the scare

of Adwa and attempted to restore the warrior Roman Empire. 35

The Italo-Ethiopian relation after the battle of Adwa entirely diverted to peaceful relation. The 1896

Addis Ababa peace treaty was the one event that assures their friend ship relation in which Italy

opened her ligation in Addis Ababa.36

Apart from this, in 1928 they signed the treaty of commerce

and friendship relation. However, that was a white wash program and fake treaty tended to divert the

bad outlook of Ethiopians towards Italians. It was also to realize her grand plan, colonize

Ethiopia.37

However, from 1929 onwards duly warned that Italy was showing her great intention more

and more plainly. Italy used her colony Eritrea and Somalia as base for her military preparation.

Accordingly, forty years later Mussolini tries to wipe out that defeat of Adwa by occupying the whole

county.

On December 5, 1934 in Ogaden near the reservoir of the walwal osis, some hundred kilometer far

away from Somalia, Italian troops were strike Ethiopian troops on their garrison. However, it was a

minor boarder clash that Ethiopians were able to repulsed Italian attack at walwal. However,

Mussolini taking the walwal incident demanded to incorporate walwal towards his colony, Somalia

and war indemnity from Ethiopia.38

Italy sought to annex western and central Ethiopia in order to

consummate its long time projects of a railroad to link its possession Eritrea and Ethiopia with

Somalia. On night 2, October 1935 Italian troops stationed in Eritrea and Somalia began to invade

Ethiopia. Based on article 12, 1928 league convention, Ethiopia appealed to the league of

nation.39

Accordingly, the league of nation passed the imposition of sanction on both sides. However,

those sanctions were not put in to ground because, of all the imperialist powers joined in eliminating

any such attempt.40

35

Seltene Seyoum, ―Emperor Hailä Selassẽ I and the Ethiopian Resistance, 1936-1941.‖ Journal of Ethiopian

Studies, Addis Ababa: Institute of Ethiopian Studies, 2000, p.42,Vivó, p.72.

36 Bahru A Modern, p. 152.

37 Del Boca, p. 19; Seltene, p. 42.

38 Marcus, p. 139.

39 Vivó, p. 73; Seletene, p. 42.

40Ibid. p. 74; Marcus, A History, p. 142.

13

As we have stated earlier, Italy used Eritrea as a base for military preparation in north direction. On

3, October 1935 Italian troops headed by Marshal Emilo de Bono invaded Ethiopia through Märäb

river.41

The force of de Bono entered towards the interior parts of Ethiopia that able to control much

areas of Tigrai with little resistance. The huge Ethiopian army began to move by forced march

towards the northern front, and then held only by Ras Seyum Mängäsha‘s 30000 men and Ras Kassa

accompanied by 40, 000 army marched along the Dässé – Mäqällé line.42

Ethiopia lost the battle after

a huge confrontation at Mayçäw that headed by the Emperor himself and fascist announced the

occupation of Ethiopia.

2.2 The Occupation of Gondar, Wälqait Țägädé and Armaçiho

The Italian invasion campaign towards Gondar had two main directions. The one was along Semén

Mountain region. Especially, after the defeat of Ras Imiru at Shire front, Italians continued their

advance towards the farther interior. Accordingly, through the line of Semén, along Däbark, Dabat

and Wägära Italians marched towards Gondar. Italian troops controlled Gondar on April 1, 1936under

general Gubbeto.43

The other command of fascist to conquer Gondar was from Asmära through Omnhajär and Sätit

Humära. General Strachi accompanied by mechanized force delegeted to lead this campaign.

Through Omnhajär the Italians under General Strachi come across Wälqait, Țägädé and Armaçiho

that entered to Gondar on April 1, 1936 by the same time with the force of Gubbeto. The forces of

Strachi stationed at čäčäla, what is now Gondar university hospital while the forces of Gubbeto

stationed at Däbräberhan Selasé church.44

Apart from the above entrance to Gondar, the Italians come

again from Omnhajär, Eritrea. The mission tended to occupy parts of northwestern Ethio – Sudanese

41

George Steer, Caesar in Abyssinia (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1936), p. 7.

42 Del Boca, p. 70; Mulugéta, p. 14.

43 Gärima Tafärä Gondaré Bägashaw (Addis Ababa: Täsfa Selassie Press, 1949), E.C. p.14; David Rifkind,

Gondar: Architectural and Urbanism for Italy’s Fascist Empire (Florida: Florida International University Press, 2011),

p.495; Solomon Gétahun, A History of the City of Gondar (Trenton: Africa World Press, 2005), p.13.

44 Gäbäyähu Täfäri and Däsaläñ Alämu.Yätädäbäqäw Mastawäša (the Hidden Diary)(Chibo Light Book, 2014),

p.189; Gärima, p.14; J. A Barker, The Civilizing Mission: A History of Italo-Ethiopian War of 1935-1936(New York: The

Dial Press Inc, 1968), p.262.

14

boarder. The force-marched towards interior parts of Ethiopia along Qabtya, Humära, Abdulrafi,

Mätäma and Quara.45

The responsibility to defend the Sätit-Humära, Qabtya, Wälqait and Țägädé was lain on the shoulder

of local and regional lords. The then General Governor of Bägé-Meder and Semén, Ras Wändäsän

Kassa announced the Armaçiho, Wälqait and Țägädé people about Italian unlawful invasion and he

ordered that people to protect their region from Italian invasion. Accordingly, that region began to

mobilize its local army headed by Qäñazmach Adanä Mäkonnen, Lej Beré Zägäyä, Wubnäh Täsäma,

Bärihun Dässé, Daňačhäw Täräfä, Mäsfen Räda, Dästa Maru and the like many patriots began to

mobilize their army.46

However fascist occupied Gondar without much resistance. This was due to

Italian military technology superiority and the people took lesson from the astonished defeat of

Ethiopian army in Tigrai.

Though there was no a vehicle line, the Asmara-Gondar, trade route lines attributed a lot to Italians in

their attempt to control Gondar.47

Diplomatically, Italian counsel in Gondar Rafael De Lawry tried to

convince the surrounding people about the coming of Italians with good hope to the people. At the

beginning, Tilinti Defesto declared the policy of equality to all people and abolished tax and customs.

That tended to pacify the region and to get acceptance from the people.48

Apart from the above tactic, Italians resorted to all kind of intrigue in their efforts to dominate the

Ethiopian people. They incited the Tigris and Oromos against the Amhara and the Somalia‘s against

the Affars. They also fomented discord between Muslims and Christians made thousands of promises

etc.49

In our respective region, Armaçiho, Țägädé, Wägära, Mätäma, Çelga and Wälqait the Italians

commander of political senior Tore Bali Peiro won some success in convincing the Qemant ethnic

who were relatively dominant in Çelga, Armaçiho, Mätäma and parts of Wägära.

45

Gärima, p. 14; Mulugéta, p. 16.

46 Liqu, p. 8; Informants: Aläbachäw, Hailu, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

47 Gärima, p. 16.

48 Fantahun Alämu, ― The Brief Biography of Fitawrari Ayälä Täsäma‖ BA Thesis, Bahir Dar University ,

Department of History, 2002, p.12; Solome Gäbrägziabher, ―The Ethiopian Patriots, 1936-41‖ Ethiopian Observer Vol.2,

No. 12:63-91, 1958, p.87.

49Aregawi Berhẽ, Revisiting Resistance in Italian Occupied Ethiopia: The Patriots Movement (1936-1941) and the

Redefinition of Post War Ethiopia (The Netherlands: Beill, 2003), p.90; Vivó, p.77.

15

Accordingly, he propagated the Qemant as if they had common ancestor with the Italians. In such a

way, he gathered Qemants and fomented them to know about their descendents line and propaGate

the fiction legend of their genealogical relation with the Italians. He stated to them‖the twin brother

of Ramous and Romulus who were the founder of ancient city of Rome grew up by feeding the Brest

of Säsa. Similarly, Aynär who considered as ancestors of Qemant also rose by feeding Sasa Brest. So

we Italians and Qemants have the same origin.‖ In such a way, Peiro gave the Säsa portrait, which

painted under a huge oak to Qemant chief Qäñazmach Tashu Engda and Alämayähu Biwäta of

Kärkär and Çelga respectively. However, the later accepted Italian fake propaganda while the earlier

totally reject this propagation.50

More importantly, Italians attracted Ethiopians by funding huge money, providing modern weapons

and rifles, nominating political positions and political title and the like convincing mechanisms to get

collaborators.51

On the other hand, there were problems at national level that had Negative impact to

Ethiopian regional lords. This resulted to the defection of some lords towards Italy. For instance, the

famous Tigrai regional lord, Däjjazmach Hailä Selassé Kassa was defected to Italy under the pretext

of the incorporation of his autonomous region with the Ethiopian empire state. 52

Beyond the above

problem, there was a quarrel between Ethiopian war Generals under the pretext of command ship

arrangement.53

The Italian military technology accompanied by science fiction modern equipment

that not contrasted with the ill-armed Ethiopian army. More over fascist used a mustard gas, that

strictly forbidden at international level.54

All the above combined reasons resulted to temporary

victory of Fascist unlike Adwa. However, they were tried to occupy Ethiopia with full of resistance

throughout the five year colonial attempt.

50

Gärima, pp. 24-25; Fantahun Alemu p.12; Tädla Zäyohanes, Yä Ityopia Tarik: Italya Bä Ityopia: Kä Walwal

eskä Gondar Kä Genbot 1928 Eskä Hedar1934(The History of Ethiopia: Italy in Ethiopia: From Walwal to Gondar :

From May 1928 up to December 1934 E.C)(Addis Ababa: Mankusa Publishing press, 2004), p. 35; Solome P.87

51 Gärima, p. 24-25; Solome, p. 87; Informants: Aläbachäw and Dässéw,

52 Henze, layers p. 217; Mulugéta, p. 10.

53 Bahru, A short p. 154; Del Boca, p. 69; Mulugéta, p.11.

54 Mulugéta, p. 16.

16

2.3 The Beginning of Nation-wide Resistance and the Role of Qäñazmach Adanä in

case of the study area

On May 9, 1936, Mussolini announced to the great council of fascism, with his customary theatrical

pose ―Ethiopia is Italians! Italians in fact and in law with the population of Ethiopia, peace is a

foregone conclusion. The new emperor of Ethiopia is Victor Emanuel‖. In such a way, Mussolini

concluded the total occupation of Ethiopia by Italy.55

Mussolini immediately wanted to send half a

millions to work the mines and fertile land of the new possession of ―Italian East Africa Empire‖ in

order to secure conquest. He also sought Ethiopia to make a strategic base, but the plan had

abandoned because the Ethiopians went on fighting even long after all the emperor had left Addis

Ababa after his decisive defeat at Michäw.56

The fascist occupation was as brutal as could be expected. More than 400,000/ four hundred thousand

Ethiopians were murdered that fomented anti- Italian movement in different region of Ethiopia.57

Specially, it was strong in Bägé-Meder, Gojjam and Showa. The Ethiopian people railed with real

patriotism to the just struggle for independence. Vivo expressed that, the heroism barefoot of mass

that fought with strong moral, challenged Italian occupation. The brutal and barbarism ruling system

of fascist inspired nationwide resistance with regard less of sex, religion, race and language.58

Fascist Italy colonial attempt was strongly challenge by Ethiopian people‘s resistance that had

various forms of struggle from different classes. Women patriots were carried out formidable heroic

resistance against Italians in giving material and moral support, treat the wounded patriots, serve as

inner patriot that they worked and live with Italians; but for Ethiopians as intelligence, feeding

55

Seletene, A History, p. 44; Vivó, p. 76.

56 Alämayähu Abäbä, Yä Ethiopia Tarik: kä mäjämäriaw Eskä Ahunu Zämän( A History of Ethiopia from Ancient

times up to the present)(Addis Ababa: Z.A Printers, 2009 E.C), p.538; Mulugéta, p.25.

57 Vivó, p. 76.

58 Ibid. p. 77.

17

patriots, and even they were fought equivalent with men patriots.59

Religious institutions specially,

Ethiopian Orthodox Church excommunicated the barbarian Italian Catholics.60

In addition, the most often quoted biblical quotation concerning with Ethiopia, Psalm 68Verse

31‖princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hand unto God‖ would have

been as a principal liturgy which resulted to the martyrdom of the then Ethiopian bishop, Abunä

Ṕéƫros in his attempt excommunication of Italians.61

Up on Haylä-Selassé‘s refusal to accept Italian

protectorate over Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Muslim clerics formed the association

of Ethiopian religious patriots, enrolling 14000 patriots within three days.62

Another opposition

against fascist was from Ethiopian intellectuals which organized as early as 1936 regarded as dread

by the Italians where the young Ethiopian who were educated abroad in the previous decade. 63

More importantly, beyond national organization patriotic resistance under the Black lion

Organization, regional lords and local rulers were organized themselves against Italian brutal rule.

The nationwide resistance largely fomented by the Graziani massacre, which resulted to the death of

30,000 civilians in Addis Ababa on February 20, 1937. The massacre was under the pretext of

Graziani‘s assassination attempt that committed by the two young Ethiopians named Mogäs Askdom

and Abrham Däboçe.64

This tragedy massacre made fascist rule more brutal and ant-Fascist

movement ignited in every corners of Ethiopia.

Following the occupation of Gondar, Italians were used various mechanisms so as to won the peace

full submission of the people around Gondar. Among thus techniques, they tried to get the submission

59

Bahru, A Short, p. 198; Fantahun Alemu, pp. 5-6; Mulugéta, p. 8.

60 Tadäsä Zäwäld, Qärin Gärämäw (The survival Amazed)(Addis Ababa: Berhan Ena Sälam Printing press, 1960),

p. 523.

61Ibid. p. 196; Harold G. Marcus, ―New trends in Ethiopian Studies‖, paper of the 12

th international conference of

Ethiopian Studies, Vol. I. Michigan State University, Red Sea press, 1994, pp.573-574.

62 Del Boca, p. 39; Marcus, New Trends… p. 762.

63 Marcus, New trends… p. 762.

64 Bahru, A Short, p.189-191.

18

of Qemant people using fictional legends of their genealogical relation. Even they promised to the

local people to bring equality, provide some political title and position.65

However, some patriots groups were agitated to commit sudden strike over Italians on their garrison.

Such situation becomes common and strongly challenged Italians movement even to fetch water. Due

to the above reason, Italians decided to snatch the rifles of local peoples those who were an ardent

opponents of Italy. Apart from the above, Italians had torched and murdered innocents and civilians

those who suspected as if they had secret relation with guerrilla patriots. These harsh measurements

of Italy fomented almost all peoples to fought Italians and some local rulers organized guerrilla

warfare. The one and proponent leader of guerrilla fighters was Qäñazmach Adanä Mäkonnen who

previously the governor of Yayra and Adét. He laid the responsibility to protect the Humära, Wälqait

and Țägädé areas from Fascist by the then governor of Bägemeder and Semén, Däjjazmach Wänd-

Wäsän kassa while Italy invaded Ethiopia.66

When Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, the then Governor General of Bägé-Meder and Semén

province, Wänd-Wäsän Kassa ordered Qäñazmach Adanä and Fitawrari Hailu Faris to defend their

respective regions of Sätit Humära up to Mätäma. Since there was no trained and organized territorial

army in the region, they began to recruit the relative effective individuals who had better military

experience but, with poor and oldies weapons. Italian army was supper both in military technology

and even by numerical statistics. This military advantage and diplomatic efforts to get collaborators

helped to Italy for rapid occupation of the region as well as Gondar.67

Soon Gondar becomes Italian

base to their colonial conquest, which tended to extend towards Gojjam and Wällo. Even Gondar

becomes Italian administration seat of Wällo, Gojjam, Semén and North Showa.68

Then, after the

occupation of Gondar, Italians began to construct roads and bridges from Eritrea, Asmara along

Omnhajär, Humära, Wälqait, Țägädé and Armaçiho to connect with Gondar. They also established

65

Gärima, p. 24; Solome, p. 87.

66 IES Ms 2393/07/02/9.1 p. 4; Liqu, p. 9; Shumyä, p. 2; Informants: Aläbachäw, Dolcha, Hailu and Yähualashät.

67 Liqu, pp.8-9; Informants: Aläbachäw, Berlé and Getachäw.

68 Mulugéta, p. 18; Shumyä, p. 1.

19

garrison camps along that line. For instance, they stationed at Wälqait-Adirämäƫ, Țägädé-

Mäsfinto/sefra-Talian/ and Armaçiho, Sanja particularly at Gänäté.69

2.4 Major Engagements of Qäñazmach Adanä Mäkonnen against Fascist Invaders

In 1935 onwards, Italian force that stationed at Asmara entered towards Wälqait, Țägädé, and

Armaçiho that tended to control Gondar. Accordingly, the mission headed by General Strachi.

Italians were controlled the region with little resistance and established their rule by organizing

military garrisons. Since Italians had mechanized army, patriots were not in a position to fought

Italians with open field confrontation. In such a way, local rulers and patriots organized themselves to

conduct a sudden strike over Italians using hit and run tactic.70

In such a way, they strike Italians

several times and able to capture various modern weapons from banda army. In this respective

region, Qäñazmach Adanä Mäkonnen was the prominent guerrilla fighter‘s leader. He was fought

Italians 56 times in this region that had significant role to the liberation of Ethiopia.71

Among the

numerous confrontation of Qäñazmach Adanä, the most figurative and known engagements were

described with its course and effect.

2.4.1 The Armaçiho Däbäz Battle

Italian force under General Acheli controlled Gondar crossing through Sätit-Humära, Wälqait,

Țägädé and Armaçiho in 1935. However, Qäñazmach Adanä who strongly opposed Italians

organized some patriot groups and decided to strike Italian garrison camp at Armaçiho, a place called

Dabaz. Accordingly, on may 5, 1936 Qäñazmach Adanä with his honest relatives Daňachäw Täräfä,

Mamuyä Mäkonnen, Bärihun Dässé, Tilahun Gäbrä-Mädhin and others together marched towards

Italian camp at Däbäz and committed unexpected strike over Italians. On that instant, many Italians

and banda army died and wounded. More importantly, patriots captured various modern weapons that

enhance their confidence in the struggle against Fascist.

69

Liqu, p. 9; Mulugéta, p. 18.

70 Liqu, p. 10; Informants: Shumyä and Yähualashät.

71 Gärima, p. 28; Liqu, p. 9.

20

Apart from their victory, the patriots were learned many fighting techniques from the more trained

fascist army; such as fighting with in the ditch, turn in and shot down retreat back and sudden strike

and the like military tactics that would stiff patriots fighting mechanism. 72

That fomented other

patriots group in to the struggle against Fascist. Patriots struggle in Țägädé, Wälqait, Armaçiho

comes to intensify, and Italians exposed to sudden strike several times in the area. This situation

forced Italians to stanch the whole people‘s rifles and Italian General Achili Strachi passed a decree

that tended to gather all rifles. However, the decree upsetthe people and many decided to fight

Italians. In such a way, the potential strengthens of patriots had been scale up from time to time.

Accordingly, Italian Viceroy in Țägädé, Cardelo continued its suppression program supported by

their collaborators. Even the local extra ordinary people repeatedly warned Italian viceroy to dispel its

program. On the contrary, it was important to patriots because of the discontented people dragged to

collaborate with patriots groups. This moment had brought an adverse effect on fascist rule in the

area. On the other hand, it was vice versa to Țägädé Patriots.73

Apart from the above, fascist made

land reform decree in September 1938. That land reform decree granted a full right of Italians over

the native peoples land. Unlawful land alienation completely favored to Italians. This event

aggravated anti-fascist struggle in the area.74

2.4.2 The Țägädé Shammri Battle and the Yayra Massacre

In Țägädé, Armaçiho, Janora, Märäba, Adañägärçaqo and some lowland areas people those who

refused the suppression rule and land reforms of Fascist leave everything and rally with the patriots

group and engaged to guerrilla war fare that headed by Qäñazmach Adanä.75

The minor victory of

Qäñazmach Adanä over Italians at Däbäz inspired another patriot groups in Armaçiho. The group

headed by Lej Beré Zägäyä committed a sudden strike on Italian officers who were goes to visit

Gondar across Sätit Humära-Gondar line. Then Lej Beré Zägäyä with his escorts fortified at the coast

72

Liqu, p. 12; Informants: Shumyä and Yähualashät

73 Gärima, p. 14; Gondar Ancient Patriots Association, Yä Bägé-meder Ena Semén Arbäñoch Yä Hiwot Tarik‖(The

Biography of Bägé-meder and Semén ancient patriots), Possessed by Patriots Association head, Gondar, 1981, p. 211;

Liqu, p. 13; Shumyä, p. 2; Informants: Aläbachäw, Dasäw and Hailu.

74 Liqu, p. 13.

75 Gärima, p. 15; Liqu, p. 13; Informants: Dolcha and Getachäw.

21

of river Shumri and there awaiting the coming of Italians. On that instant, four white officers were

come through military patrol. When Italians entered to the target of Lej Beré, he shot down all

officers and captured many weapons.76

The Shumri strike was become pioneer to another strike and

the society got much confidence to attack Italians. On October 1938, one of the agents of Qäñazmach

Adanä named Märsha Tädla shot down three fascist troops and captured one modern rifle at a place

called Shumbyä. Such unexpected and sudden strikes dragged Italians to suspect the whole people

and began inspect villages to punish the suspected one those who considered as the supporter of

patriots in giving intelligence service, technical or and material aid for patriots. In such a way, fascist

assessed the whole nearby villages around Shumri River. Specially, Däbrä-Hawaria village was the

most suspected villages and captured five individuals for torch to show for other peoples who would

commit similar strike.77

Fascist residence in Țägädé, Cardelo quested additional force to inspect and stanch the rifle of local

peoples in Adét, Däq-Garo, Yayira, Märäba and Janifanqura. In fact, Cardelo wanted to destroy the

above areas that were the most difficult and reserved villages of patriot. To do thus, Cardelo

requested supplementary force from Wälqait commissariat to stiff its force. Accordingly, the Wälqait

commissariat sent large numbers of troops headed by major Caraban and Major Filene with the

mission of detecting and destroying the villages along their march.78

On January 2, 1938 afternoon this fascist force arrived at Yayra; a place where in Țägädé and

formerly governed by the proponent patriots leader in Țägädé Qäñazmach Adanä. In the morning

January 22, 1938, Major Filene commanded to the church çiqashum, to call the whole people

together. Filene also warned those who not attended considered as if the collaborators of Qäñazmach

Adanä. Accordingly, the çiqashum ordered the Yayira people to come in the conference that

announced by Fascist. There up on, the people come up with various food types in to the Italian camp

at Yayra. On that moment, Filene again ordered the çiqashum to check either or peoples were

admitted or not. The çiqashum verified the coming of all peoples with the exception of Qäñazmach

76

Informants: Aläbachäw and Mulugéta Abuhay.

77 Gärima, p. 28; Gondar Patriots Asso…, p. 216.

78 Liqu, pp. 15-17.

22

Adanä with his collaborators. After the people gathered, Filene ordered to kill the whole people turn

in turn.79

The first turn was to a young and strong man named Ato Godoyä. Fascist officers captured him and

took towards detection house and they poke by spear. On that instant, Godoyä growled like a lion,

shouted with great voice, and escaped by force. Then he run away quickly and narrowly escaped from

death. There up on, banda troops followed him and tried to shot down there. The rest people who

gathered in the camp hear the information of their murder and the rumble, which resulted to full of

anguish. There up on, Major Filene ordered his officers to chain and bales those captives using rope

that made easy to kill.80

The gathered and baled peoples shot down and murdered without merciless

of women, children as well as old age people cruelty. Then after, the Fascist leave out from the camp

suspecting of counter attack from Qäñazmach Adanä and avenges of died peoples‘ parents. While the

fascist moved towards Janifänqära, they took some notable individuals of the area to move together

with fascist troops forcefully. Partly, it tended to defend patriot‘s offensive attack. During that

massacre, Qäñazmach Adanä was at Adét, a place below his birthplace.

Mean while, he had hear the massacre at yayra and marched to that area. When he arrived there, he

got 18 men cadaver or dead bodies and even the area looted by fascist. On that moment, Qäñazmach

Adanä followed fascist with his escort and attack at their back in unexpected way which able to shot

down many banda soldiers. On this, instant, fascist troops rushed disorderly to save themselves.

Then, Qäñazmach Adanä was able to restore all the looted property of Yayra people. In fact,

Qäñazmach Adanä was followed the retreated banda army to get the prominent individuals who took

by fascist. However, the parent s‘ of those captured men were bagging him to stop his attemptsof

saving those men.81

It was mainly due to their suspect that fascist may took harsh measurement over

the captured men as revenge. Meanwhile, Qäñazmach Adanä diverted his idea and returned; that he

79

Mulugéta, p. 21. Informants: Aynshät, Zäwdẽ, Berhan, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

80 Liqu, p. 16; Informants: Berlẽ and Mulugéta.

81 Gärima, p. 28, Liqu, p. 16. Mulugéta, p. 21. Informants: Berlé, Getachäw and Shumyä.

23

performed the funeral celebration of died peoples at Yayra.82

Meanwhile, when fascist arrived at their

target area, Janifänqära the captured people at yayra and other 68 civilians were murdered.83

Fascist heartless atrocities in Țägädé, Märäba, Wälqait, Armaçiho, Wägära, Janifänqära, Yayira and

some other low land areas of the region was increased its degree from time to time. This merciless

atrocity fomented ant-fascist struggle in large scale. Therefore, the patriots groups stiffened by both

in numerical and military equipments; specially that gained from enemy troops during sudden attack.

The difficulty to patriots was the role of banda/ Italian collaborators from Ethiopia/. However,

patriots tried to advise the banda to stop their collaboration with fascist. Those who sided with

Italians often exposed to looting their properties by patriots mainly tended to stop their support to

fascist. This attempt also made by the emperor that advice and warned repeatedly to stop their

collaboration. Though there was a harsh measurement of fascist in that area, the patriotic resistance

was scale up their resistance largely against fascist under the prominent leader, Qäñazmach Adanä.

This strong and heroic resistance of patriot has disrupted fascist rule in the area. This forced Italians

to made diplomatic resolution with the patriot. Specially, they wanted to make parley with

Qäñazmach Adanä because he was legendary patriot‘s leader in the area.84

2.6 Fascist Italians attempt to convince Qäñazmach Adanä Mäkonnen for Negotiation

When the force of patriots grew up from time to time, fascist diverted to resolution policy so as to

won their objective, sustainable Italian rule in the area. Italian residence in Țägädé, Cardelo and the

war commander Filene announced to the whole people including patriots to submit and foregone with

Italians.85

They propaGate both warning and advice to the patriots so as terminate their resistance.

Even Italians warned to patriots about its harsh measurement and their plan to arrest their parents to

get peaceful submission.86

82

Informants: Aläbachäw and Shumyä.

83 Gärima, p. 28, Liqu, p. 17, Mulugéta, p. 22.

84 Informants: Shumyä and Yähualashät.

85 Gärima, p. 28; Liqu, p. 19; Informants: Dasäw, Hailu, Mulugéta and Shumyä.

86 Gondar Ancient Patriot Asso… p. 218.

24

On the other hand, Italians promised to patriots that they forgive the earlier vindictive of patriots and

even they promised political position and title. In such a way, Qäñazmach Adanä, the main leader of

patriots was their prime target. Accordingly, Italians sent a message to Qäñazmach Adanä repeatedly

for arbitration and parley. After critical thinking and great deal with the patriot, Qäñazmach Adanä

accepted fascist arbitration query on June 23, 1938. These arbitration was partly, tended to buy time

because of the coming of rainy season. As we know obviously, most of the patriots were peasant and

to get harvesting time, Qäñazmach Adanä proposed to submit with Italians. It was mostly, to stop

Italian Chevy against patriots.87

Apart from these, Qäñazmach Adanä considered that the effective harvest of patriots would stiffen

the resistance both in economical and military equipment. However, it was a white wash negotiation

on the side of Qäñazmach Adanä and was a fake treaty. Accordingly, on 23, June 1938 Qäñazmach

Adanä with Näbs-yimar Mängäsha arrived at Italian camp, Sanja and communicates with Italian

viceroy, Major Filene. In their conversation, Major Filene described about the responsibility to

defend the Humära-Mätäma region from Italian occupation was given to Qäñazmach Adanä

Mäkonnen by the then Governor. There up on, he blamed Qäñazmach Adanä on the repeatedly strike

over Italian army.

Meanwhile, Major Filene suspected Qäñazmach Adanä because, he was entering to Italian camps

lonely. In such a way, Major Filene again suspected as he had a conspiracy with patriots. Partly, it

was to investigate the internal settings and secrets of fascist troops. In due course, for a time being

Filene detained Qäñazmach Adanä. The mediator, who made arbitration between Filene and

Qäñazmach Adanä, named Ayanayä Läma request Filene to release Qäñazmach Adanä from

detainment. Nevertheless, Filene responded his detain was for further detection and awaiting the

decisions of Major Koscheleny. After 10 days detainment, Qäñazmach Adanä released on July 3,

1938 by presenting surety and he forced to live within Italian surroundings. Accordingly, Qäñazmach

Adanä forced to live in separated area from his birthplace and moved towards Walia Qäbällé, some

16 kilometers far away from sanja in the southwest.88

87

Informants: Dolcha and Hailu.

88 Liqu, p. 23; Informants: Dolcha, Getachäw, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

25

On nine, October 1938 Lej Beré Zägäyä attack Italian garrison camp at Sanja and destroyed the camp.

The survived banda troops rushed towards their base Tekel-Dengay, some 23 kilometers far from

Gondar to the North West direction.89

On 11, October 1938 Italian viceroy at Tekel-Dengay wrote a

letter to surety of Qäñazmach Adanä, Ayanayä Läma that sought to bring Qäñazmach Adanä towards

Tekel-Dengay. Because, fascist again suspect Qäñazmach Adanä that he may organize a campaign

against Italians. Frustrated another organized strike of patriots, they wanted to arrest the former

patriots leader.

In due course, on 12, October 1938 Qäñazmach Adanä skipped towards Çilquana, some 20

kilometers far from Sanja to the west. There he arrived at Fitawrari Näwätä Bitäwa, husband of his

elder sister and father of prominent fighters, Näga Näwätä Wakshum Näwätä and Haylu Näwätä.

There the parents of Qäñazmach Adanä had been fire much cartridge to celebrate his coming escaped

from enemy. Then after; he accompanied by many patriots and moved towards Adét, Țägädé. There

Qäñazmach Adanä sought to avenge Fitawrari Märgiya Täsäma who was fascist agent and accused

Qäñazmach Adanä. Accordingly, in the early morning of October 13, 1938 Qäñazmach Adanä with

his honest accomplice arrived at a place called Kokora; that was where Märgiya was lived. When

Märgiya hear the arrival of Qäñazmach Adanä at his hamlet, Kokora; there he trembled much and

sent priests for arbitration. In such a way, Qäñazmach Adanä accepted the arbitration. However, he

requested compensation payment for life. Therefore, Märgiya was pleasure to accept any

compensation and agreed by the convention.90

However, on 19, October1938 Märgia discarded the arbitration pact and moved at night towards

Italian garrison at river Angäräb.91

There he told to Italian residence about the coming of Qäñazmach

Adanä with his accomplice to destroy that camp. Fascist officers hear about the issue but they

suspected Märgia and arrested him under the pretext of not fighting with Qäñazmach Adanä. On the

morning of October 20, Qäñazmach Adanä informed about the treachery of Märgia and followed him

up to Italian camps at Angäräb to punish Märgia. There he made surprise attack on Italians and shot

down two white officers while his accomplices, Mamuyä Mäkonnen and Daňachäw Täräfä captured

89

Gärima, p. 29; Mulugéta, p. 25.

90 Informants: Aläbachäw, Habtamu, Läwtẽ and Yähualashät.

91 Ibid.

26

two modern rifles from enemy. Then, fascist officers suspect Märgia as if he brought Qäñazmach

Adanä seeking for sudden attack against Italians. Therefore, fascist troops were Murdered Märgia and

his brothers within the camp and leave out from the camp.92

After all, Qäñazmach Adanä proposed

some fighting techniques and mechanisms for patriots in order to struggle fascist. Among that

strategies, the most known and applicable were propagating the people that to be disobedience to

fascist rule, refused to pay tax for fascist, fomented the people to protest, sudden strike and loot

banda, warned fascist intelligences, and commit sudden strike on fascist camps.93

2.6.1 The Battle of Abbo-Dengay

Qäñazmach Adanä escaped from fascist detainment and began reorganize the Țägädé and

surrounding patriots that able to stiffen the struggle against Italians. Fascist land reform that granted

full right to white Italians over the natives land, rifle alienation and consecutive atrocities strongly

complained by the local people. That intense anti-fascist struggle and many people dragged to the

resistance. This also stiffs the force of Qäñazmach Adanä, which strengthened from time to time.

Fascist Governorate in Țägädé, Cardelo realized the difficulty of patriot‘s movement in the area and

he sought to destroy the whole patriots in the area.94

Accordingly, on 30, October 1938 Cardelo

marched towards Adét, headed by banda leader named Färädä Nägash. Adét is the birthplace of

Qäñazmach Adanä and the center of patriot‘s movement. However, that campaign information

dispatched to patriots as early as the march had begun. In such a way, Qäñazmach Adanä proposed an

offensive attack on fascist before they arrived at Adét.

Since the enemy force was superior both numerically and military equipment, it was danger to fought

fascist with open field confrontation. Accordingly, Qäñazmach Adanä ordered the patriot to cover

within the ditches and the forts until the enemy entered to their target. Then, they had been waiting

until the coming of fascist. It was intentionally design to shot down the white commander first and

then the rest army would disperse like the bee, which lost its leader. The time was October in which

the grass grew long and served as fort for patriots. On that moment, after many banda troops passed

92

Liqu, p. 26; Informants: Berlé, Dasäw, Hailu, Shumyä and Zämariam.

93 Liqu, pp. 26-27; Informants: Dolcha, Getachäw and Shumyä.

94 Liqu, p. 28; Shumyä, p. 11.

27

along the targets of patriot, fascist commander named Shumbash entered to the target of

sharpshooters Qäñazmach Adanä and Tilahun Gäbrä-Mädhin. On that instant, both Qäñazmach

Adanä and Tilahun fired him and killed at a place called Abbo-Dengay in Țägädé.95

The rest patriots

instantly shot down the banda troops in different direction that rumbled banda force and it disorderly

rushed back without any achievement.

The retreated banda force moved towards a place called Sefra-Aläqa where Qäñazmach Adanä forted

another patriots group that ordered to await the survival fascist. While the survival arrived at

Sefraläqa, another offensive strike waited them that forced the little survivals who narrowly escaped

from death again rush towards a place called Sefra-Ŝalian /Mäsfinto/ where Italians had a strong

fortress. Instantly, some band troops surrendered to Qäñazmach Adanä while many who tried their

best to escape shot down in unexpected way.96

After all, the patriots moved towards Adét while

fascist lope towards Mäsfinto. The whole people in Adét, welcomed the patriots with alarm well

come moral and happiness because of their remarkable victory. After the battle, an old age man

named Yämar-wuha Aduňä stated a metrical poem as follows:

የአቦድንጋይ ለታ ነገር ሲጀመር during the war at Abbo-Dengay while disputes had begun:

ትልቅሰው አዋራጅ ክፉ ሰው ደፋር the hard Abba Dafar piques and abases the respected one:

ሊዎድቅ ሲቃጣ የኢትዮጵያጋሻ when Ethiopian buckler/Haylä-Sselassé/ attempted to fall:

የአባቴ ነው ብሎ አስነሳው መንገሻ Mängäsha posed by claiming, as it was his father

ይኸው መጣላችሁ የኒያ ጀግኖች ልጅ Now the son of those patriots coming soon;

ፈረንጅ የሚያስቸግር ወንዝ የሚያሻግር who threatened Färänje/white/ and beat of them across the river.97

The victory of Qäñazmach Adanä at Abbo-Dengay resulted to the blow off fascist confidence in the

area. More importantly, the eco of this victory flourished towards Armaçiho, Dawa, Adaň-Agärçaqo,

95

Gärima, p. 29; Liqu, p. 28.

96 Gondar Patriot Asso,… p. 218; Liqu, p. 30.

97 Liqu, p. 30.

28

Märäba, Däga-Țägädé and Wälqait. There, who heated and opposed the oppressive rule of Italians

largely fomented the anti-fascist struggle that stiffened patriot‘s power. Besides to Abbo-Dengay

victory, the leadership quality, the true of faith, the foundation of good work, adroitness and homage

of Qäñazmach Adanä attracted the people. Specially, in Țägädé; Qäñazmach Adanä had a born from

the prestigious royal family and the people who claimed their descendent from Qäñazmach Adanä

had been sided with patriots.98

2.6.2 The battle of Adét- Sefra-Aläqa

The fascist suffer at Abbo-Dengay highly concerned Wälqait governorate, Major Gramoshi. On the

other hand, his troops fought at Abbo-Dengay cheated Gramoshi as if it was their victory which they

killed mamuyä Mäkonnen and severely wounded Qäñazmach Adanä. Meanwhile, Gramoshi

informed about the actual information that the victorious group at Abbo-Dengay were patriots.99

More importantly, patriots after their victory scale up their members and continued their resistance

and propagation as far as Wälqait that trembled Major Gramoshi. In due course, Gramoshi

reconsolidated his force and ordered to capture the whole patriots in Țägädé as much as possible; if

not destroy and loot the whole villages where the bandits lived. Specially, he focused to capture

Qäñazmach Adanä with his accomplice, who was the leader of patriots. Based on Gramoshi order;

the banda troops headed by Abtäw Men-Yewab marched towards Adét, the center of patriots. On that

moment, Qäñazmach Adanä informed about the coming of fascist for revenge war with their strategy.

This information was from the series intelligence men‘s of Qäñazmach Adanä. Accordingly,

Qäñazmach again organized his army and he was awaiting the coming of banda. On 19, November

1938 fascist marched towards Adét via a place called Adgäbatyä, which is still a horrifying cliff.

On morning November 2o, fascist begun goes down through an erected chain turn in turn. Here, the

patriots fortified there and waiting fascist with rake their muzzle on banda troops. There patriots were

well award and sharp shooters arranged by Qäñazmach Adanä including himself.100

The heroes those

98

Informants: Shumyä, Yähualashät, and Getachäw.

99 Gondar Patriots Associa,… p.214. Liqu, p.31

100 Gärima, p. 68; Liqu, p. 32.

29

fortified there were Bärihun Dässé, Tilahun Gäbrä-Mädhin, Gäbrä-Selassé Färädä, Gäbré Täwäldä-

Mädhin, Ayaléw wärqu and some other known shooters cast away fascist revenge attempt.

The course of the war was on morning November 20, while fascist entered to the target of patriots.

On that moment, they begun shot down the enemy on the mid of the cliff which was difficult to

fascist. On that instant, many of banda troops died and their cadaver fall in to the cliff while the

survival rushed holdback disorderly. Now patriots scored a remarkable victory and captured huge

rifles. Qäñazmach Adanä suspected another fascist revenge strike and ordered the patriots to repulse

enemy attack by taking of strategic fort. As Qäñazmach Adanä expected, fascist troop reorganized

and come back again for another revenge war; but the heroes‘ patriot group headed by Qäñazmach

Adanä easily cast it off. After that, the enemy lopes hopelessly towards their camp Mäsfinto. That

marked the total victory of Qäñazmach Adanä at Adét.101

Now Cardelo realized that, the strong hold

of bandits was Adét. So, he proposed again to the total destruction of Adét and its surrounding by

coordinate another fascist force. This was due to the consecutive defeat of Italians at the battle of

Abbo-Dengay and Sefraläqa. Accordingly, Cardelo request additional force from fascist

commissariats of Adiarqay, Wägära and Wälqait in order to avenge patriots.In such a way, the enemy

force headed by banda and white commanders marched towards Adét, Yayira and Märäba. Here

among the banda leaders, Däjjazmach Goshu, Tasfayä Mädäbaye, Adisu Mäshäsha Daňachäw

Mäkuria and Tasäw Mäkuria were the most prominent while Cardelo himself lead the overall

campaign that come to call the battle of Gämaro.102

2.6.3 The Battle of Gämäro

As we have stated the above, Italian troops rearmed strongly for coordinated attack against patriots.

However, their military operation exposed by Qäñazmach Adanä‘s intelligence men and took great

preparation to repulse fascist attack. Accordingly, Qäñazmach Adanä requested paramilitary from his

neighboring patriot leaders. After he ordered his honest disciple to keep awake the area from fascist,

he moved towards Armaçiho seeking of additional force in order to resist Italians mechanized march.

In due course, on 25, November 1938 fascist force lead by Gramoshi marched from Wägära across

101

Gondar Patriots Asso,... p.217; Liqu, p. 17.

102 Liqu, pp. 34-35

30

Ajeré and arrived at a place called Gämäro. Here, patriots without Qäñazmach Adanä strongly

resisted fascist.103

The patriots had great understanding about the topography of the area and occupied the strategic

place. Apart from this, they encircled the surrounding water stream. On that moment, the banda force

suffered much from trust that forced them to send arbitrators for negotiation. However, patriots

presented precondition for arbitration. In such a way, they request after the negotiation, to drive out

the fascist by dropping the complete military equipments. On the side of the fascist, they wanted to

hold back without any fire and agreed by the request of patriots. There up on, they agreed based on

the above terms. However, that arbitration pact was white wash on the side of fascist and they

secretly hold back at nighttime. In due course, Daňachäw Täräfä rapidly marched to overtake the

enemy passing line at River Angäräb and fortified there while Semé Gudayu beat off them at the

back. On that instant, the trusted fascist arrived at river Angäräb and rushed to drink water. Soon,

Daňachäw fired them by saying ―you the betrayer!‖ and killed many bandas. Unconsciously, fascist

fighters diverted its direction and retreated but again the enemy fired at the back by Semé Gudayu.

On that instant, the enemy realized that as they encircled at every direction and forced to surrender.104

There up on, many banda and white armies were killed and wounded. More importantly, patriots

were captured a number of uncounted rifles and cartridges.105

2.6.4 The Battle of Adét-Maygäna

Fascist occupation and rule in Țägädé and Märäba strongly challenged by patriot‘s resistance under

Qäñazmach Adanä Mäkonnen. Therefore, in order to cast off heroic resistance in the area, Gramoshi

declared an integrated war. That was from recruited fascist troops in Bägé-Meder and Semén

governorate. In such a way, one fascist group that stands from Dabat arrived at Gämäro as early as the

expected war period. However, this force destroyed by Adét heroes‘ virility. On12, December 1938

another group of fascist headed by Wälqait residence, Cardelo and banda Golla Goshu met with the

103

Gärima, pp. 68-70; Liqu, p. 35.

104 Informants: Berlẽ, Seläsh and Shumyä.

105 Gärima, p. 68; Informants: Aläbachäw, Hailu and Shumyä.

31

survival fascist troops at Gämäro. Here, patriots were hearing about the reconsolidation of fascist and

their offensive attack. Having such information, patriots rushed towards river Maygäna that tended to

control water sources. On 16, December 1938 banda troops moved towards the river to access in

order to the river.106

However, patriots fortified there and begun to fire fascist troops in unexpected way, which resulted,

to the death of many banda but no one from patriots. The survival were rush back towards Gramoshi

at Abbo-Dengay. Gramoshi realized that, fighting without water is difficult and tried to dislodge the

patriots at the river. To do that military operation, Gramoshi reconsolidated his army and sent another

combined March towards river Maygäna. On 16, December 1938 a destructive war carried out

between the two forces. On the side of patriots, Daňachäw and others killed.107

After a destructive confront, patriots were hold back by the order of Qäñazmach Adanä. Partly, it

tended to further consolidation. On that moment, Qäñazmach Adanä was at Armaçiho to bring

additional force. On morning of December 17 1938, Qäñazmach Adanä arrived at Adét Maygna and

saw the death of Daňachäw. Soon he followed the fascist with fresh force from Armaçiho. Then

Qäñazmach Adanä arrived at Italian camp called Dägutäfat and launched sudden strike.108

There, the

banda force saw the coming of Qäñazmach Adanä himself to avenge the death of Daňachäw and

others. The force of Qäñazmach Adanä was fresh and numerically it was huge that able to beat

offbanda troops from their fort at Dagutafat that forced to move towards other camp, Qeraqer.

Qäñazmach Adanä followed them and able to dislodge even at Qeraqer for once and last.109

Meanwhile, the enemy force was never resisted the consecutive and aggressive strikes of Qäñazmach

Adanä that forced them to leave out from the area. Then banda troops decided to move towards

another strong base of fascist, Mäsfinto. There up on, one old age man stated a battle Cray as follows:

ዳኘው በስመአብ ብሎ ደርሶ ቢተኩስ፤

106

Liqu, p. 35; Informants: Getachäw and Mulugéta,

107 Gärima, p. 67; Liqu, p. 39; Shumyä, p. 8.

108 Shumyä, p. 8; Informant: Yähualashät.

109 Liqu, p. 40; Informants: Aläbachäw and Shumyä.

32

የጣሊያንን ሎሌ ወሰደው ንፋስ፤

ዳናቸው ተረፈ አለ አልሞተም ገና፤

ጉድቡን ጎድቦ አድፍጧል ማይገና፡፡

The above battle cry English version is equivalent with that:

While Daňachäw arrived and shot on the name of God:

The wind took away Italian servants:

Daňachäw Täräfä still alive at Maygäna:

And he fortified there, awaiting of Italians.110

2.7 The Țägädé-Mäsfinto Battle and the Liberation of Țägädé from Fascist

Occupation

On 17 December 1938, Qäñazmach Adanä marched towards Mäsfinto /Sefratalian/ and there he

encircled fascist camp by coordinating the whole patriots in the surrounding area. Accordingly, on the

side of the East, the patriots of Torat headed by Lej Awäkä Yämatayä, on the side of south, Adét

heroes headed by Lej mamuyä Mäkonnen and the center face to face confront was lead by

Qäñazmach Adanä himself encircled Mäsfinto camp.111

The strategic area of patriots and invisible

fort had been enhanced their confidence. Depending up on the above military operation and

arrangements patriots begun fired the camp based on their respective confront. In such a way, patriots

continued their attack for seven day. Major Gramoshi stressed and communicated by radio with his

high officers for aerial attack and bombardment to resist patriots attack.

So on 21 December 1938, morning fascist aircrafts begun bombard the mountainous regions of

Mäsfinto where the area expected as forts of Patriot. Nevertheless, nothing was touch patriots.

Though various provisions dropped from Italian aircrafts, some provisions dropped to the patriot‘s

110

Liqu, p. 41.

111 Gärima, p. 78; Gondar Patriots Aso… p. 218; Liqu, p. 42.

33

zone. Here, patriots cut off all provisions lines of enemy. Even some times the aerial provision

mostly, food and cartridge of fascists dropped between the line of patriots and fascist. Therefore,

when the fascist moved to pick those provisions, patriots shot down many banda troops.

The aerial bombardment of fascist was never stop patriots heroic struggle and the war continued for

11 consecutive days. On that moment, banda leaders, mulu märsha, Mäkonnen Kassayä and

Mäkonnen Zäläläw killed while many others severely wounded. On the side of patriot, Dämesé

Tasäw lost his life.112

The war continued and it become extreme devastation on both sides which

leads to parley initiated by old age men and arbitrators in the area.

Accordingly, Qäñazmach Adanä presented prerequisite terms those were the surrender of Major

Gramoshi, drop the fascist military equipments to patriots and leave out fascist peacefully from the

camp. Arbitrators had gone towards Italian camp with the above terms. Here, Gramoshi responded

that not surrender and never give up his hand to patriots. Regarding with equipments, he accepted the

term. However, requested the permission only for banda leaders leave out the camp with their hand

rifles.113

Therefore, he agreed the complete military equipment could remain to patriots. There up on,

Qäñazmach Adanä agreed based on the above terms. In such a way, on December 30, 1938 Gramoshi

leave the camp. However, while he drives out, he ordered to his troops to burn out the camp and there

they burnet the camp using petroleum. Here, patriots saw the burning of the camp and rushed towards

the camp to save the rest equipments. There, they saved some food provisions but not the military

equipments because of its exploder nature.114

.

Beyond this, banda troops that come from Talamt, qolla Wägära and Adiarqay move towards the

forbidden direction that was a place called, Däbas-kendesh. In such a way, Qäñazmach Adanä

realized that the violation of the accord. There up on, he ordered the patriots to strike and beat off the

retreated banda troops at the back.115

Patriots soon shot down many banda at the back that dispersed

the enemy disorderly. At this battle, patriots were got 800 different rifles, uncounted various cartridge

112

Ibid; Liqu, p. 42.

113 Informants: Aynshät, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

114 Informants: Berlé and Shumyä.

115 Gärima, p. 78, Liqu, p. 44. Informants: Mulugéta, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

34

100 horse and donkey and much variety of crop production. After that battle, the whole areas of

Țägädé come to liberated and begun governed by Qäñazmach Adanä.116

Meanwhile, Qäñazmach

Adanä proposed to liberate Wälqait. After the decisive battle of Mäsfinto that lasted for 16 days,

patriots scored a remarkable victory. Now many bandas diverted to the side of patriots that enhance

the historical heroic resistance against fascist.117

There a woman who lost her parents at the massacre of Yayira lamented as follows:

ብድርስ ይደርሳል እንዲህ ውሎ አድሮ፤

አምና እኔ አለቀስኩ ዘንድሮ ካርዴሎ፡፡

The turn would come again even so delay:

I was crying last year but, now Cardelo. 118

2.7.1 The Battle of Wälqait, Zerbebit, Atkuarobär and Adiharo

Fascist troops had a strong base at Adirämäƫ, Wälqait in 1936 onwards. As we have stated earlier,

Qäñazmach Adanä had a plan to liberate Wälqait and on 20, January 1939 the patriots group in

Țägädé and Tälälo combined and marched towards Adirämäƫ, fascist camp. The one patriot group of

Țägädé headed by Lej Mamuyä first arrived at a place called Zerbebit and Atkuarobär, the main Gate

of the camp. There Mamuyä launched a sudden strike and killed many banda, which resulted to the

removal of fascist from the area.119

The banda retreated towards Adirämäƫ and there they were aware

to the camp about the coming of Qäñazmach Adanä with huge army. It was to repulse and resist the

patriot‘s offensive attack. In such a way, fascist prepared to resist the attack from Qäñazmach Adanä.

On that day, the two forces met at a place called Adiharo, only two kilometer far from fascist base,

Adirämäƫ.120

116

Liqu, p.47.

117 Informants: Aläbachäw, Dasäw and Yähualashät.

118 Liqu, p. 48.

119 Gondar patriots Asso,… p. 220.

120 Informants: Dasäw, Getachäw.Hailu and Sumyä.

35

At the course of the war, patriots were focused on shooting banda leaders and begun apply their

unique strategy that designed by Qäñazmach Adanä. That was systematical retreat for further strike to

screen out banda leaders. Accordingly, Qäñazmach Adanä himself shot down two banda leaders

named Fitawrari Gäsäsä Yohannes and Bärhé Seyum at a place called Adiharo.

However, patriots were unable to capture Adirämäƫ due to the mechanized force of fascist. On the

other hand, the enemy force was never push back patriots due to the geographical advantage and

strategic fort of patriots that not opened to attack.121

Now no peace no war secured between the two

forces. Because of the distance between them, shooting was nothing. Meanwhile, patriots call banda

troops with shouted great voice and spoke their interest to fight with white fascist. Partly, it was

tended to aware the banda to stop the civil war among Ethiopians. This call initiated both sides for

arbitration. Hence, the two forces agreed to size fire temporarily. However, it was a fake treaty on

both sides. On the side of patriots, Qäñazmach Adanä wanted to buy time to consolidate his power.

Similarly, the enemy force needed time for supplementary force at Qabtya to substitute the dead

banda leaders.122

2.8 Patriots power consolidation

After the liberation of Țägädé from fascist occupation, Qäñazmach Adanä again proposed to drive

out fascist force from Wälqait. The liberated Țägädé come to under the rule of Qäñazmach Adanä

and it served as a base for patriots. Now this was turn to Țägädé for liberation. Here, Qäñazmach

Adanä realized that the need of special military arrangements and preparation so as to breakdown

fascist fort at Adirämäƫ.123

In due course, the Țägädé people sought to nominate Qäñazmach Adanä as

governor of Țägädé and war commander of patriots. More importantly, the people gave title

advancement for Qäñazmach Adanä on 29, January 1939 during the moment of annual

commemoration of saint Virgin Mary. Accordingly, the whole people gathered and gave the title of

Däjjazmach to Qäñazmach Adanä. Here, the people celebrated with songs delectation in which they

verified the title of Qäñazmach Adanä. Then after, Qäñazmach Adanä’s title advanced and

121

Liqu, p. 48; Gondar Patriots Asso,… p.221.

122 Shumyä, p. 7; Informants: Aläbachäw, Berlẽ, Shumyä and Yähulashät.


36

recognized as Däjjazmach that makes him unique from other leaders in which he got the title from the

willingness of the people. After Däjjazmach Adanä nominated as governor of Țägädé by the people,

he made various arrangements before he marched to fight Italians at Wälqait.124

Accordingly, he reinstated a new administration along the basis of centralization. Therefore, he

nominated judges to prove justice, arrange to collect tribute, appoint war leaders and vice district

governors. More importantly, he appointed old age men who had better working experience as his

own adviser. Depending up on the above arrangement, Däjjazmach Adanä appointed the following

men as his advisor. Those were Qäñazmach Bogalä Kenfä, Fitawrari Falaqa Beru, Grazmač Näwätä

Bitäwa and Grazmač Ambaw shimäkach. Supported by the above advisors, Däjjazmach Adanä gave

different political title and responsibility for 12 experienced patriots those who assumed to perform

the various duties and responsibility of government work with Däjjazmach Adanä.125

After this

nomination, Däjjazmach Adanä postponed the other appointees for the next month. This mainly

tended to identify and investigate the appointee‘s potential and experience. Here, those individuals

who nominated to different administrative posts ordered to investigate the profiles of next

nominees.126

On 20, February 1939 huge festive meal arranged to nominate the rest patriots in to

various fields and titles. So, five patriots appointed in to different administrative posts in Țägädé.

namely Qataw Fuafuaté, with the title of Qäñazmach he nominated as head governor, Endét-Largleh

Abära with the title of Fitawrari posted as chief of judge, Kassay Engedashät with the title of

Qäñazmach nominated as vice judge, Säräqä-Berhan Maru with the title of Grazmač posted to

secretary and Lej Mäsfen Engda-Wärq with the title of Fitawrari posted to war commander.127

Here,

Däjjazmach Adanä also gave various title advancement and responsibilities for other 92 patriots on

that festive day. Partly, the nomination aimed to inspired patriots fighting moral to the next campaign

against fascist.

124

Informants: Habtamu Säräqä-Berhan, Seläsh and Shumyä.

125 Liqu, p. 54. Informants: Dolcha, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

126 Informants: Aläbachäw, Aynshät, Berlẽ and Mulugéta.

127 Liqu, p. 56; Informants: Dasäw, Hailu and Shumyä.

37

2.8.1 The Battle of Janora-Qänƫa

The fascist force reorganized another military campaign to eRase their defeat at Wälqait and Țägädé.

In such a way, on 3 February 1939 fascist marched with above 12000 troops towards Țägädé that

aimed to destroy the base of patriots. Their force, that stands at Dabat moved across the lowland of

Ajeré and Janora. However, before it arrived on their target area, the Deradera patriots confronted at

river Aräbur.128

Since the force of the enemy was huge, it scored victory at this confront and

continued their march towards Țägädé. On that moment, fascist arrived at a place called Qänƫa.

There, the Märäba and Janora patriots lead by prominent leaders such as Däjjazmach Hagos Täsäma,

Bäyänä Mäkonnen, Märso Abeläw and Ayaléw Yätamanu strongly resisted fascist force and able to

block their march towards Țägädé.129

However, fascist troops equipped more mechanized artillery even superior in numerical statistics. In

such a way, patriots send message to Däjjazmach Adanä for supplementary. Soon, Däjjazmach Adanä

sent huge army that headed by five war commanders but he was awaiting other Gates of fascist in

Wälqait and sätit Humära. On the basis of Däjjazmach Adanä‘s order, huge number of Țägädé patriots

marched towards Qänƫa. Here, the force arrived at river Bara and blocked fascist force to the river.

Now, the enemy force encircled by patriots. There the patriot decided to destroy the enemy at Qänƫa

and forced them to surrender. However, fascist realize its danger and request additional force from

Dabat. Accordingly, 6000 banda troops come to Qänƫa and stiffen fascist that able to save them from

the total destruction. Soon fascist loped towards Dabat. There patriots again captured considerable

rifles.130

2.8.2 The Battle of Adi-kokob-Wälqait

On 22, January 1939 there had been a white wash pact between fascist and patriots. Here, both

considered the agreement to buy time to reconsolidate their force. On 2, April 1939 banda troops

violated this fake agreement and controlled Shiräla, Mäsfinto and Atkuarobär.131

Fascist come up

128

Gärima, p. 79.

129 Informants: Aläbachäw, Endalkachäw, Mulugéta and Zämariam.


131 Gärima, p. 79.

38

with strong military preparation that commanded by 26th

military regiment. On that moment,

Däjjazmach Adanä informed about the occupied area. Soon, he sends an operation after a critical

discussion with patriots how to strike. Accordingly, Däjjazmach Maru Dästa marched to the west

direction while Awäqä Yamataya confronted the forward directions. In due course, fascist saw the

front march but not the western front. There up on, fascist confronted with patriots on both side.

Däjjazmach Maru Dästa strongly fired fascist at their backside. Here, fascist realized that it was

difficult to repulse patriots attack and decided to hold back that forced them to leave out from their

fort.132

At that moment of war, the Țägädé patriot headed by Däjjazmach Adanä himself marched

towards a place called sheräla, the backside of the enemy.133

There, Däjjazmach Adanä fortified and waiting the coming of fascist that the front and western

confront push back them. As Däjjazmach Adanä expected, banda troops rushed back towards his fort.

There he fired them and killed many banda while many were seriously wounded and even others

were forced to surrender.

Therefore, at this confrontation patriots totally captured banda military equipments, which enhance

the potential struggle of patriots against fascist tendency to the occupation of that area. Wälqait

residence, Cardelo informed about the total destruction of his campaign by Däjjazmach Adanä. In

such a way, Cardelo reconsolidated his army at Adirämäƫ fearing that the offensive and coordinated

attack of Däjjazmach Adanä.134

Here, patriots also realized the huge army of fascist that developed

strong fort there. However, Däjjazmach Adanä largely sought to destroy the fascist garrison camp. To

do thus, he send message to Lej Beré Zägäyä in Armaçiho and Hagos Täsäma in Märäba for

integrated attack against fascist at Adikokob, Wälqait. Soon, Lej Beré and Däjjazmach Hagos come

up with large army.135

On that moment, Ato Wäldä-Giyorgis Tädla arrived there with glad tiding letter

from Haylä-Selassé that stated about the coming of the emperor through Khartoum. This information

fomented the further fighting moral of patriots. Now Däjjazmach Adanä arranged to hold the decisive

132

Gondar Patriots Asso,… p.221.

133 Liqu, p. 68. Mulugẽta, p. 28.

134 Gärima, p. 128; Gondar Patriots Aso,… p. 222; Liqu, p. 68.

135 Gondar Patriots Aso…p. 221.

39

confront with fascist. Before the patriots entered to the war, there was mass prayer accompanied by

the clergies among patriots that tended to repulse Roman Catholic faith.136

Then after, on seven, April 1939 Däjjazmach Adanä lined up the operation of the war.137

Accordingly,

Fitawrari Alämayähu Gäsäsä and Däjjazmach Beré lined to the left wing confront along mount

Ambaba. Fitawrari Mäsfen Eräda and Lej Dästa Maru marched to the right wing confront along the

place called Qirqos-Maylämämo. The center face to face confront was headed by Däjjazmach Adanä

himself with his young brother, Mamuyä Mäkonnen. In such a way, on 8, April morning at 11:00

local time, Däjjazmach Adanä arrived at fascist camp, Adikokob and similarly the whole patriots

along their respective direction encircled the camp. Since the fascist had automatic machine gun,

patriots decided to jump over, entered to the fort directly without shot and captured the enemy before

they pick their gun. On that instant, patriots captured and killed famous banda leader Däjjazmach

Golla Goshu and killed him while his son Tayä Golla become war captives.138

At this sudden attack beyond 300 banda troops killed, 200 rifles, 124 machine gun and 800 banda

troops captured. The survival banda rushed towards Adirämäƫ and patriots beat off them. On the side

of patriots, 84 known patriots and other unknown killed and many wounded. After all, patriots

marched towards Adirämäƫ that stationed26th

regiments of fascist and again encircled the camp.139

However, fascist aircrafts were bombarded patriots fort and killed seven fighters on one fort. Now,

fascist extensively accompanied by aerial bombardment launched an attack against patriots. There up

on, patriots changed their fighting technique to be at nighttime sudden strike was affordable one.140

Even though fascist supported by aerial attack, it was difficult to escape from the target of patriots. In

due course, fascist army in Adirämäƫ totally encircled by integrated and coordinated force of the

patriots. Meanwhile, fascist army agitated to arbitration with patriots. Therefore, fascist sends its

agent, Däjjazmach Gäzahañ to Däjjazmach Adanä. So, that the negotiation had begun based on the

136

Ibid.


138 Gärima, p. 129; Liqu, p. 77.

139 Informants: Aläbachäw, Mulugẽta and Yähualashät.

140 Gondar patriots Aso,...p. 222. Informants: Aläbachäw and Shumyä

40

will of patriots. So, Däjjazmach Adanä peace terms were, leave out fascist at Adirämäƫ dropped the

whole equipment, stop aerial attack on Wälqait peoples, don‘t come back again towards Wälqait and

the removal of enemy garrison camp at Qabtya and Humära. Then, Däjjazmach Gäzahñ with the

above terms returned to Asmara along Qabtya to present the peace terms for Italian viceroy.141

However, the fascist officer‘s response was too late. Nevertheless, Major Gramoshi was still alive at

Adirämäƫ that confined its camp by machine gun. In such a way, without any conclusion, it remained

as it is until May 7 1939. However, patriots encountered difficulties. That was shortage of food and

the time was rainy season in which many patriots engaged to farm. Those factors forced the Janora,

Armaçiho and Țägädé patriots to return towards their respective areas. Nevertheless, Däjjazmach

Adanä ordered Wälqait and Tälälo patriots to chase fascist under their leaders Fitawrari Mäsfen

Eräda and Dästa Maru respectively. Fascist used such incidence as lottery and 5000 banda troops

who recruited and trained at Raya Azäbo marched towards Adirämäƫ. It primarily tended to release

Gramoshi from his detainment at Adirämäƫ.142

Though patriots tried their best to chase fascist before it merged with the encircled troops, it was

difficult to patriots. Hence, Fitawrari Mäsfen and Näga Abära fought the newly organized and

mechanized fascist force at a place called May-Dekulla. There, due to imbalanced military

proportion, fascist survived the resistance and merged with Adirämäƫ that stiffened Gramoshi

force.143

Däjjazmach Adanä informed about the coming of 5000 supplementary banda troops that

merged with Gramoshi force. Then, he took the first step to fought and drive out Italians from the

whole Wälqait. Accordingly, on May 2o, 1939 Däjjazmach Adanä had called all patriots and arranged

festive meal at his center, Qeraqer-Țägädé. There, in order to foment patriots fighting moral he gave

various political positions and title advancement for 190 patriots. After the nomination festivity,

Däjjazmach Adanä informed about the revival of fascist in Wälqait. In such a way, he stated that the

141

Gärima, p. 131; Liqu, p. 78.

142 Informants: Dasäw, Habtamu, Hailu and Kassa Gäbrämariam.

143 Gondar patriots Aso,…p. 224.

41

whole patriots should ready and committed to the next massive confront with fascist in order to

liberate the whole Wälqait.144

2.8.3 The Battle of Tälälo and Kesad-Gemal

After fascist power consolidation at Adirämäƫ using the newly added force of 5000 banda troops from

Raya Qobo, the fascist begun strongly suppressed the local people. Soon, Fascist troops began to

murdered and loot Wälqait people under the pretext of their collaboration with patriots against

Italians. Meanwhile, fascist reorganize 6000 native banda troops and equipped them with modern

rifles that aimed to destroy Däjjazmach Adanä’s force at Țägädé.145

Here, fascist realized that the time

to time upgrading of patriots movement in the area under the leadership of Däjjazmach Adanä.146

Accordingly, after better military preparation fascist marched towards Țägädé systematically by

investigating the ongoing movements of patriots.

In May 1939, Wälqait patriots were strongly resisted fascist expansion towards Tälälo under

Fitawrari Mäsfen Räda and Dästa Maru. Then the fascist were unable to penetrate that region.

However, they burned and looted some areas named Kesad-Gemal which controlled by fascist army.

Here, Major Frachali nick named bärbäre /pepper/ who was the then war commander in Wälqait

stiffened its mechanized army and on May 23, 1939 marched towards Tälälo to fought patriots. There

Fitawrari Mäsfen Räda and Dästa Maru strongly challenged by fascist in which they forced to sent

message to Däjjazmach Adanä for additional force so as to chase the mechanized banda troops. On 28

May 1939, Däjjazmach Adanä mobilized huge army and arrived at Tälälo, Adi-Gärtyä Qäbällé.

There, fascist army was more mechanized and even accompanied by cannon aerial bombardment.

There up on, Däjjazmach Adanä realized that the face-to-face confrontation may exposed them in to

huge suffer. Accordingly, he line up his confront in to four major fronts so as to encircled fascist.147

Then, the strategy was silently close towards fascist fort at nighttime using gorges and ditches in all

directions. Therefore, on May 28, 1939 one patriot group headed by Däjjazmach Adanä early arrived

144

Liqu, pp. 89-91; Shumyä, p. 9.

145 Informants: Habtamu, Kassa and Mulugẽta.

146 Informants: Hailu, Läwtẽ Adäladay Shumyä, Seläsh and Yähualashät.

147 Gärima, p. 131; Gondar Patriots Aso,…p. 224; Shumyä, p. 10.

42

at fascist temporary camp at Adigärtyä, committed epic deed in capturing, and fought banda within

the fort. The nearside patriots were again break down fascist confine and entered in to the camp.

Therefore, due to the unexpected nearness of patriots in to the camp, the war held by spear, knife,

sword, hatchet, bludgeon and cudgel; not by cannons and gun muzzles, which had great advantage for

the ill-equipped patriots. In such a way, after sever confront patriots murdered many banda troops in

which they scored remarkable victory. General Tilinti, war commander of fascist himself captured by

Däjjazmach Adanä. The survival banda troops rushed towards Adirämäƫ.148

There up on, Däjjazmach Adanä captured 150 various machine guns with its cartridge. After this

remarkable victory, Däjjazmach Adanä proposed to destroy Adirämäƫ camp.149

However, Major Gramoshi hears about the next military operation of patriot. Hence, he brought

12000 troops from Asmara and settled at Asmara. Now, Gramoshi lost all battles and he suspects his

banda troops that resulted to the entrance of white soldiers largely for further campaign. After

Däjjazmach Adanä controlled Adigärtyä, he ordered his agent to patrol the surroundings either the

area freed from enemy or not. Partly, it also tended to saw the feelings of the local people. In such a

way, patriots begun to patrol the surrounding areas of Shiräla, Däjäna and Aqäwärq to check either

the people accepted them or not. There, patriots were looted the properties of some people who were

collaborators of fascist during resistance. However, Däjjazmach Adanä warned and convinced the

patriots to restore that property to the people by ware the future challenges.150

After all, on 23, July 1937 Däjjazmach Adanä again arranged a huge festivity to gave nominations as

promotion for patriots for the third times. In such a way, he gave political title advancement and

nominations for 39 patriots. Here, the unique event was, he gave the above nomination for 15 patriots

of Armaçiho who were fought Italians collaborated with Țägädé patriots. The consecutive victory of

patriots highly dreaded Major Franchali, Wälqait governor and war commander of fascist. Hence,

12000 fascist troops come under colonel Raundi to repulse patriot‘s attack. Though patriots in Tälälo

148

Informants: Dasäw, Habtamu, Selash and Yähualashät.

149 Ibid.

150 Liqu, p. 98; Informants: Dasäw, Getachäw, Käsätä Malädä and Zämariam.

43

and Däbas-kendesh tried to close its passing line, the fascist force was more mechanized and able to

merge with Adirämäƫ force.151

Accordingly, Däjjazmach Adanä coordinated his army unit based on their respective leaders.

Therefore, he marched towards Tälälo and arrived there on July 25, 1939. While he arrives there, the

upper and lower Tälälo already occupied by fascist. There, Däjjazmach Adanä gave delegation to his

officers before he confront with fascist. So that, the operation line up setting arranged. So in western

direction; Fitawrari Goshu Läwṱu, Däjjazmach Adanä himself lead huge army and controlled the

upper Tälälo after a decisive battle that lasted for one day. The rest patriots groups shot on their

respective direction, which made the fascist to be busy in all directions. The difficulty was fascist

aircrafts that bombarded patriots force on their fort.152

However, the area was full of gorges, mountain

chain and ditches that save patriots from fascist aerial attack. That was Natural fort endowed for

patriots. The war lasted to 10 consecutive days. Meanwhile, fascist attempt to control Tälälo become

mirage. In such a way, fascist troops had begun to retreat towards Adirämäƫ. Now, Däjjazmach Adanä

leaves the upper Tälälo that was strategic area for patriots to beat off fascist at their back.153

However, fascist landed to that area using their aircrafts and reoccupied the area. There, patriots‘

effort to preserve the area come to fall and they suffered much from fascist bomb. Däjjazmach Adanä

saw the reoccupation of Tälälo and he fortified a strategic area, passing line of fascist at Enda-

Mariam by gathering and motivating the survival patriots. At that fort, Italians repeatedly bombarded;

but not repulsed Däjjazmach Adanä’s struggle. However, patriots suffered much at this battle and the

victory was initially for patriots however, latter it inclined to fascist. Though the victory was fascist, it

was only for survival.154

2.8.4 The second Battle of Mäsfinto

Däjjazmach Adanä already fortified at Enda-Mariam moved upward towards Mäsfinto and there he

await fascist. Another enemy passing line blocked by Fitawrari Näga Abära at a place called

151

Gondar Patriots Aso,… p. 225.

152 Gärima, p. 132.

153 Gondar patriots Asso,…P. 223; Liqu, pp. 107-109.

154 Informants: Aläbachäw, Dasäw and Zämariam.

44

Makesäño-Gäbäya. On 18, July 1939 patriots headed by the above leader marched silently towards

enemy camp, Mäsfinto and suddenly silenced banda troops at nighttime. In due course, patriots shot

down many banda troops unexpectedly. Since the time was night without light, banda troops shot

each other.155

Here, fascist lost many horses, mules and donkeys that used for local transportation. At

Mäsfinto, the enemy force was more mechanized and difficult for patriots to penetrate it. Therefore,

they diverted their fighting techniques in to hit and run tactics, which was affordable for the ill-

equipped patriots. Fitawrari Näga Abära after his sudden strike fled to Țägädé, Qeraqer and informed

his effective attack on fascist to Däjjazmach Adanä with the following battle cry:

…በጌታው ግንባር ፈክሮወርዶ፤ …go down with battle cry slogan by the name of his master:

አስር እራሱን በሌሊት ጠምዶ፤ Fortified at nighttime with ten fighters:

የበርበሬን ሰፈር አደረገው ባዶ፤ destroyed the village of Bärbäré /Franchali/:

ለሊት ገስግሶ በጧት ማልዶ፤ Encroached up on as early as morning:

አንገረ ብ ገዳይ በሩቅ ተሰዶ፡፡ Killed at Angäräb /River/ by marching everywhere:

እጭ የመሰለ ጣሊያን ገፋፊ፤ He captured white Italians who seems like larva:

አርባ ሰላቶ ጥይት አልካፊ:: shot down forty sälato /fascist/ instantly. 156

Meanwhile, the sudden strike of patriots at a various time further worried Gramoshi and he decided to

destroy the whole patriots and civilians in Țägädé inclusively. In such a way, fascist extended its

occupation as far as Enda-Mariam Qäbällé by attacking civilians. Fascist troop accompanied by aerial

attack and mechanized infantry marched towards Țägädé, the center of Däjjazmach Adanä. At that

moment, Patriots informed about the inclusive attacks of fascist and its intention to control Țägädé. In

due course, Däjjazmach Adanä consolidated his army and fortified at a place called Shehagné. The

fort was strategic specially, which had ditches and gorges. More importantly, the area was highland

155

Liqu, p. 112; Informant: Shumyä.

156 Liqu, p. 113.

45

that always covered by fog which was difficult to fascist in their attempts of far observation using

telescope. However, the difficulties of the area never chase banda troops that continued their

campaign.157

In such a way, on 19, December 1939 morning banda troops get in to the target of patriots that await

Italians at Shagné fort. On that moment, Däjjazmach Adanä ordered to patriots in order to wait

Italians until they get to the target of their muzzle and then shot down randomly the whole banda.

There, many banda were killed while the survival bolt down which resulted to disorder retreat.

Therefore, Däjjazmach Adanä saw the rush of banda and he beat off them at the back along Shagné

heights. At this battle, Italian white commander Tilinti and other banda leaders were killed which

enhanced the patriots fighting moral and confidence.158

Here, after the battle one famous patriot named Grazmach Käbädä Ayälä who shot down many banda

stated a battle cry as follows;

…ጣልበት ብሎ ደፋር ቢልከው፤ when Aba Dafar /Däjjazmach Adanä/ sent him for strike:

ሲጥለው ዋለ ሲያንበረክከው፤ He Shot down and knelt many bands:

የተመሸገ ጉድብ አስነቃይ; Even dislodged them from their base already fortified:

የአባቱን ጋሻ ልጅየው ሰቃይ፤159 the descendent took the buckler of his father.

The message of the emperor from Khartoum inspired further in their struggle against fascist. Apart

from this, Eritrean emigrants and patriots merged with that of Däjjazmach Adanä force through hide

way of Omnhajär and Gädariff. Among the prominent Eritrean patriots, Fitawrari Mäläsä Gäbrä-zgi

and Fitawrari Gäbrä-Kidan Täsfa-Śiyon were the most famous leaders who had their own troops that

estimated to 30 patriots each. The two patriot leaders were those who worked and collaborated with

157

Gondar Patriots Asso,… 224; Informants: Hailu, Shumyä and Zämariam.

158 Liqu, p. 117.

159 Ibid; p. 118.

46

Däjjazmach Adanä.160

It was as a sample of Eritreans collaboration with Ethiopians in the struggle

against. In general, in the province of Bägé-Meder and Semén beyond 1000 Eritrean patriots were

fought Italians in the five year resistance.161

Since Țägädé is, adjoin with Eritrea via Omnhajär and Täkäzé River many Eritreans joined with the

patriot‘s movement in Țägädé. Their prime objective was liberating Ethiopia and Eritrea by cast off

the atrocities and brutal fascist rule. Since Eritreans were under Italian colony for long period under

Italian colony, they recruited as Askaris army and forced to fight on the side of Italy on various

battlefields. The problem was most Askaris soldiers murdered under the pretext of treason. Such

atrocities fomented most Eritrean heroes to fought Italians in the form of guerrilla warfare.162

The

coming of Eritreans with different fighting technique consolidated the force of Däjjazmach Adanä.

2.8.5 The Battle of Țägädé-Gulqua

It was another battlefield that Däjjazmach Adanä strongly fought Italians and scored victory. Fascist

saw the consolidation of Țägädé patriots from time to time with effective settings. Even they

informed about the coming of letters from Khartoum and the collaboration of Eritrean heroes with

patriots. In such a way, fascist sought to destroy the whole fronts and resistance in Țägädé. Specially,

their prime target was Däjjazmach Adanä who was the overall commander of patriots in Țägädé.163

Hence, the banda force at Mäsfinto stiffened its power by another supplementary army. Accordingly,

on May 20, 1939 the banda force-marched towards Gulqua headed by Fitawrari Abetäw Men-yewab

and Fitawrari Kassa Kidanä-Mariam at nighttime. The plan of this mission was to destroy the

villages of Däjjazmach Adanä. 164

However, the passing line to Țägädé-Gulqua patrolled by Lej Yegzaw Bälay and Mäsfen wäldä-Zgi.

They saw the coming of huge banda force silently towards Țägädé. Soon, they shot down many

banda unexpectedly and retreated. It resulted to the death of many banda troops mainly, they were

160

Gärima, p. 61.

161 Ibid.

162Ibid.

163 Shumyä, p. 8.

164 Liqu, p. 133.

47

not ready their gun to shoot automatically for the sake of saliency. Since the banda were not stand by

to shot, they suffered a lot instantly. However, the force continued its march towards Țägädé. Here,

the patriots those strike banda, soon retreat and informed to Däjjazmach Adanäa bout the coming of

Fascist. On that moment, the fascist force arrived at the villages of Däjjazmach Adanä, Adét at 8:00

local time. There, they throw a destructive bombs and shoot automatic machinegun over the house of

Däjjazmach Adanä.

However, Däjjazmach Adanä prior to the coming of fascist he retreated his family to his temporal

camp and escaped from fascist target. However, the banda burned out the house, even damaged the

cattle, hoarse, mule, hen, goat, donkey of Däjjazmach Adanä. Even his special hoarse, named Wänd-

Awek burned with others.165

The patriots headed by Qäñazmach Gäbrä-Kidan Täsfa-śiyon encircled

the enemy force along the right wing of fascist and other patriots who here the fire, raise up from

jungles by sounded war cry that encircled fascist at every directions. Then, they silently neared

towards enemy force and shot at all directions. Here, banda force did not see where the bullets come

from.

There, many banda troops died but no one on the side of patriots with the exception of the loss of

Däjjazmach Adanä’s house and its property.166

Here, Däjjazmach Adanä was again reorganized his

force and fought fascist by face-to-face confrontation. At that instant, Major Gramoshi, the governor

of Wälqait and the campaigner of Țägädé-Gulqua march worried that the alarm increase of patriots

number which forced him to retreat back towards Mäsfinto. While he told the order of retreat, his

army dispersed back disorderly because they considered as if they lost the battle. Thereupon, the

patriots beat off and shot down many banda at the backside. There, patriots got many rifles from dead

banda troops.167

While the banda loping back, their passing line, Torat and Gämäro was blocke by another patriot

named Fitawrari Bärihun Däsé and Fitawrari Zäwdé Kassa. Now, the banda forced to divert their

retreating directions and tried to cross-river Täfasha. There, the river was full of bog and the enemy

165

Liqu, p. 134; Informants: Dasäw, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

166 Ibid.

167 Informants: Getachäw, Dolcha, Hailu and Seläsh.

48

including its equipment that transported by hoarse and camel entered to cross the river that tended to

get short passing line for escape. However, all the camels, mules, donkey and hoarse totally sank at

the bog which was difficult to move. The banda army also dragged to the bogy areas to save that sank

equipments and even to cross the river. This was better opportunity for patriots to destroy the banda

troops. On that instant, patriots encircled the fascist that morasses at river Täfasha that resulted to the

total surrender of banda with their complete equipments. There, numerous machine gun, automatic

rifles, hand bomb with 250 banda troops were capture while 185 white and banda troops killed.168

On the side of patriots, four prominent patriot leaders killed while many others wounded. The

Țägädé- Gulqua battle was a turning point that made patriots to be mechanized army like that of

fascist because they got many modern military types of equipment that captured from enemy. Even

though Däjjazmach Adanä lost his house with its property, he scored remarkable victory over fascist.

Gramoshi lost the battle and returned to Mäsfinto hopelessly. After this battle, Italian governor at

Addis Ababa named Dukad Awosta landed at Mäsfinto using aircraft to visit and threat the suffered

Italians at Täfasha.169

Fascist made another conspiracy in order to murder Däjjazmach Adanä. That operation was lead by

Zäläqä Engda accompanied by 250 well-trained and equipped banda troops that recruited from

Eritrea and the native people in Wälqit and Țägädé. However, this campaign designed by fascist

officers to strike Däjjazmach Adanä was fruitless. It was due to the conscious and strong intelligence

service of Däjjazmach Adanä. Here, he informed about the military action plan and its operation

before the fascist arrived there. Then Däjjazmach Adanä made better military preparation even for

offensive attack.170

On 17, May 1940 the two forces met at the place called Gulqua. There, patriots made their common

strategy that was surrounded the enemy at all direction. The only fate of banda to save them from the

total destruction was only give up their hand to patriots without any precondition. Accordingly, on

that day 250 banda troops surrendered to patriots with their modern weapons. The whole banda

168

Liqu, p. 134; Shumyä, p. 11.

169 Gärima, p.132; Liqu, pp.134-136; Informants: Aläbachäw and Shumyä.

170 Informants: Berlẽ, Mulugéta, Seläsh and Yähualashät.

49

become war prisoner and their weapons captured. Now the war prisoners were took to a traditional

martial court at a place called Makesäño-Gäbäya, near to river Angäräb. The court headed by some

known old age men that passed different decisions. Accordingly, the court passes the following

decisions.171

Regarding with Eritrean descendents, the court decided to free them because Eritreans come up with

forced recruitment by fascist. There up on, they allowed moving everywhere what they wanted with

better treatment. Concerning on the native banda troops, the traditional court decided to be flog forty

times each and reconstruct the hamlets of Däjjazmach Adanä that burned and ruined by fascist.

Regarding with the banda leader, Zäläqä Engda first he got death penalty that went to hang.

However, the decision modified later and cut off his right hand forced to show his hand‘s flash to

fascist officers. This decision had significant role to refrain other banda those who had an intention to

be collaborated with fascist.172

After this remarkable victory, the following battle cry provided to Däjjazmach Adanä:

ለአባደፋር አዴ ሰላምታ ልናገር let‘s present greeting to the brave Adanä:

ግርማው እንደአንበሳ አለው ማሸበር፤ who had spectacle terror like a lion:

ደፋር የኮሶ እሸት ፈጥኖ የሚያሽር፤ the brave and tart who can strike instantly:

የያይራን የመረባን የወገኑን ብድር፤ the massacre at Yayira and Märäba people:

በአንድ መቶ አድርጎ ከፈለው ደፋር፤ Avenged by Adanä with the ratio of hundred to- one.

ፈረንጁም ጨነቀው በየካም ፑስር፡፡ Färänje/Italians/ stressed within their camp.173

171

Liqu, p. 137.

172 Shumyä, p. 13.

173Liqu, p. 140.

50

2.8.6 The Battle of Däbrä-Hawaria and Hamus-Gäbäya

The patriots group that ordered to keep the area Däbrä-Hawaria, that largely targeted by enemies

continued their struggle specially, under the hit and run tactic. Now, every fascist movement beyond

Mäsfinto endangered because it surrounded by patriot‘s sudden strike. This situation stimulated

fascist army to design the total destruction of Wälqait and Țägädé patriots.174

This fascist campaign

headed by Däjjazmach Tayä Golla, the son of known former banda leader Däjjazmach Golla Goshu.

Accordingly, on September 23, 1940 banda troops carried out a sudden attack over patriots at a place

called Aqäworq.

The strike targeted on the famous patriot‘s leader Fitawrari Mäsfen Räda, Fitawrari Bitäw Gäfi and

Qäñazmach Andom Täsfa-Śiyon. Thus patriots were strongly resisted the more mechanized fascist

army. They were retreated systematically for further strike. Therefore, fascist got some degree of

initial victory and moved towards Däbrä-Hawaria. There, fascist controlled the area and captured

many cattle.175

Here, Däjjazmach Adanä sent message to Armaçiho and Țägädé patriots to encircle

the enemy force. Banda troops aware about the gathering of patriots and at nighttime rushed towards

Mäsfinto. Fascist Generals designed to another destructive war by organizing many troops from

Tigrai and the surrounding region. It aimed to capture Däjjazmach Adanä and destroy the whole

patriots in Țägädé. Here, Däjjazmach Adanä also made war preparation. Therefore, he requested

military assistance from the Armaçiho and its neighboring region. Accordingly, patriots group from

Qolla-Wägära headed by Fitawrari Adämä Täkolla and Fitawrari Wärädä Mäshäsha, from Janora

headed by Däjjazmach Hagos Täsäma, Däjjazmach Meteku Zäräfa and Däjjazmach Märso Abläw

arrived at patriot‘s center, Țägädé on November 17, 1940.176

Däjjazmach Adanä rearranged the newly merged patriots and marched towards the enemy center,

Mäsfinto. However, fascist army invaded an area called Zeban and Däbas-kendesh as far as Enda-

Mariam to control Qeraqer that was the center of Țägädé. However, while they continued their

invasion by destroying civilian house and cattle, the local people made strong resistance at a place

174

Gärima, p. 135.

175 Gärima, p. 135; Gondar Patriots Aso,…p. 225; Liqu, p. 146.

176 Informant: Yähualashät.

51

called Hamus-Gäbäya under Fitawrari Alämayähu Ajäbäw. The newly combined forces under the

chief command of Däjjazmach Adanä arrived at Hamus-Gäbäya and stiffened the patriots group. The

war continued throughout the day. Moreover, the fascist attacked at the back from extraordinary

peoples who lost their hose and cattle while the fascist marched towards Țägädé numerically, the

patriots range increased alertly. That forced fascist to retreated and hide themselves from the ruined

stone house that previously burnet by fascists itself. However, many banda leaders shot down even

their chief commander Fitawrari Nägash kassé had killed and the banda troops rushed back

disorderly due to absence of leaders.

The survival banda surrendered unfortunately and patriots captured 900 modern weapon.177

Here, the

battle comes to end with the victory of patriots. On the side of fascist, above 100 banda killed

including their chiefs while many others come to wounded. Patriots also lost five prominent leaders

while many killed and wounded. The patriots were further marched towards Mäsfinto. Fascist

General, Barley saw the aggressive march of patriots and request additional army. Therefore, many

aircrafts from Gondar fly with various provisions towards Mäsfinto. On that moment, one fascist

aircraft fired down by patriots and crushed at a place called Adiqäsyä. Another two aircraft again

crushed at Rufaeal Qäbällé.178

The role of Däjjazmach Adanä against fascist was such a remarkable event. He had an excellent

diplomacy with his collaborators that would enhance his military capacity and integration. Apart from

this, he was able to settle the various disputes among patriots leader due to power rivalries and

competition over various issues. These rivalries pave the way for fascist to find collaborators; even

some patriots in Janora and Qolla-Wägära engaged competiton each other and sided with band force

to get refined weapons.179

However, Däjjazmach Adanä himself entered to Janora and Qolla-Wägära

to settle such disputes among patriots. Therefore, after he identifies some known arbitrators, he

secured the problem and made harmony among patriots. Above all, Däjjazmach Adanä had strong

relation with Emperor Haylä-Selassé using messengers specially, in 1940 onwards. Among his

messengers, the exiled patriot Wäldä-Giyorgis Tädlla was the most known patriot. There up on,

177

Liqu, p. 148; Shumyä, p. 12.

178 Liqu, pp. 148-150; Shumyä, p. 14.

179 Informants: Dasäw and Shumyä.

52

Däjjazmach Adanä had sent and received various letters and directives from the emperor in

Khartoum, Sudan. In return, to his letters, the emperor himself wrote different motivation letters and

directives to Däjjazmach Adanä.180

For instance, on 23, June 1940 the emperor‘s agent named Täsfa-

Michaél wrote a letter to Däjjazmach Adanä that deals about the success of Haylä-Selassé‘s petition to

the league of nation and the intervention of British on the side of Ethiopia.

More importantly, Täsfa-Michaél brought some modern weapons to patriots that stationed at Gädarif.

Däjjazmach Adanä was organized some missionary groups who could brings that military equipments

that supported from the emperor at Gädarif. Hence, on 03, August 1940 the agent of Däjjazmach

Adanä arrived at Gädarif and met with Täsfa-Michael.181

The emperor himself sought to go Däjjazmach Adanä’s representatives in Khartoum. The

missionaries of Däjjazmach Adanä Fitawrari Bälay Räta and Bärihun Däsé met with the emperor on

August 05, 1940. There, after a brief discussion about the previous war and its struggle, they talked

about the future war strategy. After that, they returned with 500 Dimofters, 300 Martine /a type of

automatic gun/, 200 automatic rifles and 60,000 various cartridges.182

This military aid stiffened

patriots fighting moral and upgraded their military capacity. Apart from military aid, the emperor

himself sent a message to Däjjazmach Adanä that further intensified patriots fighting moral.

Another prominent patriot that served as messenger for the North West region of Ethiopian patriots

was Hiwät Hedaru. He had taken and brought various letters and messages that served as bridge

between patriots and the emperor. In that region, he paid huge scarification in coordinating and

integrating one patriots group with the other one.183

Moreover, Hiwät brought the various decrees of

the emperor towards patriots and extra ordinary people. For instance, he brought the July 1940 decree

180

Hiwot Hedaru, Yachi Qän Täräsach(does forget that day) (Addis Ababa: Berhanéna Sälam Matämiya Derjet,

1967 E.C), p. 224.

181 Gondar patriots Aso,… p. 220.

182 Liqu, p. 152. Informants: Hailu, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

183 Hiwot, p. 225.

53

of Haylä-Selassé to Däjjazmach Adanä and the North West peoples of Ethiopia. The decree warned

the collaborators of fascist to stop fighting their homeland country.184

He also distributed other glad tidings to the people that deal about the intervention of British on the

side of Ethiopia. This decree and message had significant role to the people hoping that fascist could

drive out from Ethiopia. Now Țägädé and Armaçiho patriots‘ resistance comes too strengthened from

time to time. On the one hand, they got material and moral support from the emperor. On the other

hand, the intervention of British further worried fascist and it exerted certainty of Negative influence

over fascist power in the region. Fascist force never resisted patriot‘s sudden attack specially using

the new modern weapons that comes from Khartoum and the captured rifles from Italians. Therefore,

they forced to leave out from Țägädé. Fascist aircraft that provided different provisions to the

garrison camp at Mäsfinto stop their fly after the crushes of three air craft‘s after the battle of Däbrä-

Hawaria and Hams-Gäbäya.This resulted to the fear of Captain Daglas who substituted major

Gramoshi in Wälqait.185

Fascist soldiers looted many camels and hoarse of this surrounding of Wälqait, transported food, and

military equipments towards the endangered camp, Mäsfinto. Däjjazmach Adanä knew this

information and waited fascist provisions at a narrow passing line place called Gulagul. There,

Däjjazmach Adanä committed a sudden strike on fascist army, which resulted to the death of many

banda. There up on, Däjjazmach Adanä captured the completely military provisions of fascist that

shifted towards Mäsfinto.186

2.9 The Intervention of British, the Liberation of North Western regions of

Ethiopia and the Role of Däjjazmach Adanä

Depending up on the concept of this thesis, North Western Regions of Ethiopia comprises Wägära,

Gondar and čilga Awraja in the post liberation administrative setting. The second Italo-Ethiopian war

was coincided with the Second World War that divided the world in to two major blocs. At the course

184

Informants: Dasäw, Hailu, Gäbäyä and Käsätä

185 Liqu, p. 154; Informants: Läwte Adeladay, Seläsh, Shumyä and Zämariam

186 Informants: Habtamu and Shumyä.

54

of the Second World War Germany become powerful and occupied much of Europe. In due course, in

June 1940 Italy entered to the war on the side of Germany.187

British feared that the entrance of Italy

on the side of Germany might threat her East African colonies. Therefore, British wanted to drove out

Italy from North and East Africa.188

Accordingly, British designed to liberate Ethiopia collaborating with Ethiopian patriots‘ resistance.

As Del Boca stated, ―On 10, May 1940 a month before Italy entered to the war, a number of British

intelligence officers left Khartoum, crossed the frontier in to Ethiopia, contact the most important

rebel leader in Gojjam, Bägé-Meder, Wälqait and Armaciho‖. Hence, British organized military

campaign in 1941 to drive out Italy from the area. The operation carried out in to three major

directions. The one campaign was through Eritrea and North West Ethio-Sudanese border lead by

William Plat. The other expedition was via western Ethiopia under General Wingate and Daniel

Sanford that entered to Gojjam across the Western Ethio-Sudanese border that accompanied the

emperor.189

The third campaign was through Kenya along the south Western direction of Ethiopia

that headed by General Cunningham that controlled Addis Ababa on May 5, 1941.190

The expedition that marched along Eritrea and Ethio-Sudanese border that tended to liberate Eritrea

and the North Western Ethiopia. William Plat directly collaborated with Armaçiho, Wälqait and

Țägädé patriots‘ leaders.191

British expedition in North West regions of Ethiopia began offensive

attack against fascist at Täsänäy, Mätäma, Omnhajär and kärän. Fascist viceroy in Wälqait, Captain

Daglasi leaves out from Mäsfinto camp and he forced to move towards its strong base, Adirämäƫ. The

Țägädé patriots collaborating with British force headed by Major Ring rose continued its strike

against fascist at Adirämäƫ.192

On that moment, many banda troops surrendered with their equipment

fearing of patriots strike.

187

Angelo Del Boca, The Ethiopian War, 1935-1941 (Chicago: University of Chicago press, 1969) p. 251.

188 Bahru, A Modern p. 196.

189

Zäwdé Eräta, Yä Qädamawi Haylä-Selasse Mängest( The government of Haylä-Selassẽ I) (Boston: LAXMI

printing press, 2012), p.383.

190 Marcus, A History, p. 146.

191 Del Boca, p. 251.

192 Liqu, p. 162.

55

For further campaign, again Däjjazmach Adanä arranged arbitration among patriots and the banda

troops in order to create a united front against fascist and erode the power of fascist. Thus, on 27

January 1941 at river Maytäda, Țägädé patriot and Wälqait banda pardoned each other. Following

this arbitration, British force accompanied by many cannons and machine gun marched towards

Adirämäƫ that coordinated and lead by Däjjazmach Adanä. At the course of the war, Däjjazmach

Adanä ordered some patriots group headed by the governor of Wälqait, Fitawrari Tayä Golla to

block the Wägära line in order to cut off fascist provision line from Gondar. Fascist aware about this

integrated campaign that forced them to leave out the camp and moved towards Tigrai.193

This

campaign achieved the liberation of Țägädé and Wälqait in January 28 1941.

After these remarkable achievements, the following poem granted to Däjjazmach Adanä:

…ሞፈሩ ደፋር ነው አይነቃነቅም፤

ቀንበሩ ጥብቅ ነው ወይፈን አያመልጥም፤

እንዳንተ ያለ ጀግና እኔአይቼ አላውቅም፡፡

The pillar is the brave/Däjjazmach Adanä/ never moved here and there:

The yoke/ regulations/ is tightening that nobody could violate it:

We never had seen the brave one like Däjjazmach Adanä.194

2.9.1 The Battle of Armaçiho

After the liberation of Wälqait and Țägädé, Däjjazmach Adanä continued his military preparation to

another decisive war. In due course, in February 1941 sent Şähafä-Tezaz Hailé Wäldä-Rufé towards

Armaçiho with military operation action plan to liberate Gondar.195

Therefore, on 6 February 1941

Hailé Wäldä-Rufé wrote a letter to Däjjazmach Adanä that requested military assistance and

coordination to liberate Gondar from enemy occupation. Däjjazmach Adanä accepted the query and

193

Liqu, pp. 166-167; Informants: Kassa, Seläsh and Shumyä.

194 Liqu, p. 168.

195 Gärima, p. 261. Liqu, p. 170.

56

on 23, February 1941he arrived at Armaçiho with huge army. Accordingly, many patriots‘ leaders

gathered at Armaçiho particularly at a place called Mahin. Therefore, among prominent leaders

Däjjazmach Adanä, Däjjazmach Beré Zägäyä, Däjjazmach Wubnäh Täsäma, Däjjazmach Hagos

Täsäma, Däjjazmach Jämbäru Beru, Däjjazmach Ayanayä Chäkol, Däjjazmach Bäyänä Maru,

Däjjazmach Bäyänä Worwari, Däjjazmach Bälay Mäkonnen, Däjjazmach Çhané Yämärätu,

Däjjazmach Waňäw Andärgé and Däjjazmach Mängäsha Enyäw were the most proponent leaders.196

Then, they met at river Mähana in Armaçiho. On their meeting, British officer named major Benthic

dropped Ethiopian flag and instead of it he string up British flag. On that moment, Däjjazmach

wubnäh Täsäma strongly opposed British officers that lead to disputes between Däjjazmach Wubnäh

and Major Benthic.197

However, Däjjazmach Adanä resolved the problem via string up both British and Ethiopian flag with

equivalent level of height.198

Then after, the discussion continued and they prepared military

operation as follows:

Däjjazmach Wubnäh Täsäma, Däjjazmach Hagos Täsäma, Däjjazmach Ayanayä čäkole and some

others array to the western direction along the Ledaho-Robit line. Däjjazmach Beré Zägäyä,

Däjjazmach Bäyänä Maru, Däjjazmach Bäyanä Warwari, Däjjazmach Alänä Dästa marched in to the

Eastern direction along the direction of Gambara and Mawra. Däjjazmach Adanä, Fitawrari Hailé

Wäldä-Rufé and Qäñazmach Engda Mäshäsha array on the center of the operation to liberate Gondar.

Accordingly, they decided that the war had begun on 13April 1941. In such a way, the campaign that

array on the center of the operation was lead by Däjjazmach Adanä, attack fascist missionaries and

marched towards Gondar at the morning of that day.199

On that day, the force of Däjjazmach Adanä arrived at a place called Čačiquna approximately twenty

kilometers far from Gondar to the west. His further march only blocked by the darkness of time. No

one fascist group resisted the more experienced Țägädé patriots until that area. On the next day

196

Mulugéta, p. 29.

197 Gärima, p. 261.

198 Liqu, p. 171.

199 Gondar Patriots Asso,… p. 228. Liqu, pp. 171-172.

57

morning, Däjjazmach Adanä proposed to control Gondar. However, the other two military wings that

marched on the left and right wing of Däjjazmach Adanä becomes passive to penetrate fascist

occupation. Däjjazmach Adanä fought two consecutive days with fascist; but he realized that no

success without coordination and he retreated systematically while the rest two resistance groups

previously retreated. At this war, many patriots died and wounded. On the side of Italy, unknown

number of banda and white army killed and wounded. 200

2.9.2 The Battle of Dabat-Telagé

The Armaçiho battle gave a big lesson to fascist and they strengthened their power along the

Armaçiho and Çelga front. Patriots again saw the difficulty of Armaçiho and Çelga confront to

penetrate fascist towards Gondar. There up on, Emperor Haylä- Selassé designed another confront in

order to weakened fascist in different direction. In such a way, the Emperor himself ordered to

patriot‘s leader, Däjjazmach Adanä and his collaborators to divert their strike along the north direction

of Gondar.201

At the very beginning, this confront had been lead by Fitawrari Tayä Golla and British

officer, Major Ringrose that attempted to control Dabat through Deradera and Andayṱäṱash across

Janora.202

However, that military expedition was favor to fascist in which they used their huge artillery force in

Gondar and Däbarq. There, patriots too suffered and even they had been needed back up force for

survive. Therefore, by the order of the emperor, the Țägädé patriots lead by the brave Däjjazmach

Adanä and the emperor‘s messenger named Hailé Wäldä-Rufé arrived on 14, April 1941 at a place

called Ajeré. There, the son of Däjjazmach Ayaléw Beru, Fitawrari Zäwdu Ayaléw assassinated one

white officer named Major Dulaka and fled to merge with the Țägädé patriots. It becomes great

inspiration and moral for patriots. Then, patriots were array based up on their respective leader and

marched upward towards Dabat. Fascist saw the consolidation of patriots force and completely leave

200

Liqu, p. 173. Informants: Kassa, Shumyä and Zämriam

201 Gärima, p. 262.

202 Ibid. p. 265.

58

out from Dabat station without any actual fighting by propaganda war. Accordingly, on 16, April

1941 the combined patriots force arrived at Dabat and string up Ethiopian flag.203

After occupying Dabat with little resistance, patriots continued their offensive attack and controlled

another fascist fort called Mäqära near to Amba-Giyorgis, Wägära district. On 18, April 1941fascist

reconsolidated his army and unexpectedly defeated one patriot group that headed by Çhané Mäshäsha

at a place called Telagé. By initiating this little victory, the mechanized fascist army confronted with

the huge Tägadäé and Wälqait that combined with British army at Mäqära. There, after three hours

decisive battle, fascist army retreated.204

Then, the patriots beat off them as far as their strong fort at

Amba-Giyorgis. At this battle, Qäñazmach Wändem-Agäñ Fäläqä, Qäñazmach Tasäw Mäkonnen,

Ato Yirga Mäbraté and some others were dying. Here, fascist lost their camp of Dabat and Telagé.

Beyond this, the banda force lost many troops and military equipment. On 25, April 1941 Italian

former collaborator, Däjjazmach Araya Gäbrä-Mädhin and his village was siged. There up on, his

house burnet by fascist under the pretext of not confronted with patriots force during that

confrontation. It was in Wägära, jähjah Qäbällé. After fascist bombarded the area, they looted cattle,

sheep, goat and other properties. Then after, fascist moved towards Amba-Giorgis with the looted

property.205

However, at the mid of their departure, the force of Däjjazmach Adanä follow up and committed a

strike at the back in unexpected way. On that instant, unfortunately the banda force rushed forward

disorderly which resulted to the restoration of the looted properties. Later on, the patriots of Țägädé,

Janora, Qolla-Wägära, Tälamt and Boza returned towards Däbarq under the overall command of


203

IES Ms 1952, A letter from Şahfä-Tezaz Hailé to the various patriot leader of Armaçeho. April 1941. Liqu, pp.

174-175.

204 Gärima, p. 265.

205 Informants: Bärjaläw Mälkamu, Kassa and Shumyä.

206 Gondar Patriots Asso,… p. 218.

59

2.9.3 The Battle of Mäsqäläko-Däbarq

The combined patriot‘s front after the victory of Telagé returned towards Däbarq. That tended to

dislodge the remaining fascist force at Däbarq. On 20, May 1941 Däjjazmach Adanä fought Italians at

a place called Mäsqäläko, near to Däbarq town. After a decisive confront, Däjjazmach Adanä won the

victory and controlled the area. At this war, beyond 100 banda troops killed. On the side of patriots,

Qäñazmach Bahita Alula, one group of patriot leader, died while many others killed and wounded.207

Then after, Däjjazmach Adanä continued towards Däbarq. Here, before he marched Däjjazmach

Ayaléw Beru, the former governor of Semén Awraja allied with patriots after his five-year

collaboration with fascist.

The force of Däjjazmach Ayaléw and Wälqait patriots headed by Fitawrari Tayä Golla created a united

front with Däjjazmach Adanä’s force. This united patriots group was drafted a brief military settings

and on 01, June 1941marched to liberate Däbarq.208

The war carried out for six consecutive hours. Patriots had numerical advantage but the enemy force

had too mechanized armaments and even assisted by aerial attack. On that day on 9:00local time, half

of Däbarq town was occupied by patriots while the survival Italians still forted on one side of Däbarq

town.209

Thereupon, patriots encircled Däbarq and patrolling the banda force for many days. On that

occasion, much of patriots wanted to return to their home because of the coming of rainy season. In

such a way, Däjjazmach Adanä after dealing with other leaders to keep Däbarq and the surroundings,

he returned with his force towards Țägädé. Accordingly, Däjjazmach Ayaléw Beru assigned to

preserve dabat and Däbarq surroundings while Hailé wolderufe and Major Ringrose stationed at

Boza. The enemy force was awared about the absence of Däjjazmach Adanä and sesigned to strike

Däjjazmach Ayaléw at Däbarq.210

207

Liqu, p. 180.

208 Ibid. p. 181; Informants: Kassa, Shumyä, Seläsh and Zämariam.

209 Gärima, p. 265.

210 Gärima, p. 270; Liqu, p. 182.

60

On five, August 1941, fascist army made a strike over Däjjazmach Ayaléw suddenly at nighttime. On

this sudden strike, Däjjazmach Ayaléw wounded and captured by enemy force.211

Then, Hailé Wäldä-

Rufé sent message to Däjjazmach Adanä that informed about the defeat and capture of Däjjazmach

Ayaléw. Soon, Däjjazmach Adanä gathered his army and marched towards Boza in order to meet with

Hailé. On 23, August 1941 he arrived at Boza and discussed about the future war operation with

Hailé and Major Ringrose.212

Accordingly, they integrated their force and made campaign to liberate

Däbarq. This was resulted to the destructive and consecutive battle called the battle of Wulkefit, near

to Däbarq town.

2.9.4 The Battle of Wulkefit-Däbarq

Patriot‘s decision that passed at Boza began its operation through different direction based on their

array that tended to encircle the enemy force. Therefore, Hailé Wäldä-Rufé and Major Ringrose

marched to occupy a strategic place called Wäybäla, Wäqen to block the Gondar-Däbarq high way

lines of fascist. The force of Däjjazmach Adanä fortified in the western corner of Däbarq town. This

array totally blocked fascist provision lines. Hence, on 13 September 1941fascist decided to dislodge

Däjjazmach Adanä to get some food provisions. On that day morning, the banda force fought

Däjjazmach Adanä at 1:00 local time. However, they were unable to push back patriots and soon

rushed to their fort after little confront.213

The battle of Wulkfit was very much destructive and

protracted because it lasted for months even after the liberation of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Major Ringrose reconsolidated his force with patriots and encircled the whole directions

of the camp, Wulkfit. On that occasion, some banda troops were saw their danger and give up their

hand to patriots without fighting and even become collaborators to Ethiopian heroes.214

Finally, after

destructive war, fascist officers tried to negotiate with Major Ringrose. However, the query of

211

Liqu, p. 185.

212 Gondar patriots Asso,… p. 220.

213 Gärima, p. 266; Liqu, p. 186.

214 Ibid. p. 280; Informants: Bärjaläw, Hailu, Kassa and Läwté.

61

arbitration not accepted on the side of patriots and on 25 September 1941, the patriots force totally

destroyed fascist fort and captured the survived fascist troops.215

The long survival of fascist at Wulkfit was probably the geographical advantage of the area that was

not open to attack. On the other hand, since its surrounding was already occupied by patriots, their

only alternative to save themselves was strongly fought the patriots until they got a narrow strip line

for escape.216

Ethiopia liberated on May 5, 1941 by relentless endeavor of patriots and British expedition.217

However, in the North West region of Ethiopia, Gondar city remained under fascist occupation that

lasted for six month after liberation. Partly, it was due to the strong base of fascist at Gondar and the

surrounding that had significant role to rule the area by merging with her colony, Eritrea. Since, the

surrender of Gondar on November 18, 1941 Italian resistance in Ethiopia come to end.218

The

resistance in that area was such a remarkable that ever seen in every corners of Ethiopia in the five

year resistance. 219

The role of Däjjazmach Adanä was too much miracle achievement to liberate the

area. He fought Italians 56 times in the five-year anti-fascist resistance. However, the fascist

accompanied by mechanized equipment and well disciplined army. In spite of it Däjjazmach Adanä

won 53 fronts out of 56 confront with Italians.220

2.10 The Liberation of Gondar

After the liberation of Ethiopia, Gondar remained under fascist for six months. On the one hand, the

fascist viceroy General Nazi had a strong base at Gondar that was comfortable topography for

military fort. On the other hand, though there was strong stand against fascist, there was no

coordinated resistance in the region.221

The independency of Ethiopia maintained when British force

215

Ibid. p. 281.

216 Informants: Barjalaw, Shumyä and Zämariam.

217 Bahru, A Modern p. 197.

218 Del Boca, p. 261.

219 Informant: Shumyä, Yähualashät and Zämariam.

220 IES Ms 2393/07/02/9.1, P. 4; Liqu, p. 183; Masräsha, p. 14.

221 Liqu, p. 203; Informants: Habtamu, Kassa and Seläsh.

62

controlled Addis Ababa on April 6, 1941. The entrance of Haylä-Selassé in Addis Ababa on May 5,

1941verified the absolute independence of Ethiopia.222

However, Gondar was remained under fascist rule. Here, in the course of the resistance patriots in

Gondar and its surrounding forced the fascist to chase on Gondar city. Meanwhile, in November

1941the emperor had sent one military regiment that headed by Ras Beru Wäldä-Gäbrél towards

Gondar to liberate Gondar city. Here, the force of Däjjazmach Adanä dispersed in the summer

1941for the sake of harvesting. However, after harvesting season, his force rapidly regrouped and

moved towards Gondar to fought Italians. The force of Ras Beru Wäldä-Gäbrél arrived at Gondar and

stationed at a place called Dägoma, south of Gondar.223

The force of British that fought fascist in north of Gondar that headed by Major Ringrose and Major

Benthic combined together with the force of Hailé Wäldä-Rufé. The Țägädé patriot organized by

Däjjazmach Adanä allied with the above military arrangement. This integrated force stationed at the

North East directions of Gondar. Another supplementary force from the central government was

come under Leul Alga-wärash Asfawäsän Haylä-Selasseé that stationed at Walaj kärkär, north of

Gondar.224

In due course, General Nazi realized that, he encircled by an organized and combined

patriot‘s army. This resulted to the arbitration letter that he sent to British officer. In such a way, on

November 1941 general Nazi surrendered to the combined patriot‘s force that marked the end of

fascist rule.225

Soon after the liberation of Gondar, Däjjazmach Adanä with his force entered to

Gondar city and he discussed about the history of five-year resistance with Leul Alga-wärash

Asfawäsän and Ras Beru wäldä-Gäbrél. After that, Däjjazmach Adanä got temporary resting house

that measured 1295care meter, which located not far from government offices of the city what is the

present patriots square sub city of Gondar.226

The braveness and miracle epic deed of Däjjazmach Adanä expressed by poem as follow:

222

Mulugẽta, p. 91.

223 Liqu, p. 204.

224 Ibid; Informants: Kassa, Shumyä Yähualashät and Zämariam.

225 Gondar Patriots Aso,…p. 232.

226 Informants: Shumyä, Siläsh and Yähualashät.

63

አባደፋር ወንዱ የወርቅ ቀንዲል፤ the brave Adanä; who a gold inky:

ተዋጋ አምስት ዓመት ለባንዲራው ሲል፤ He struggled fife years for his flag:

የአባጠቅል ታማኝ የእግዜር ባለሟል: He was honest to Abba Taqle and courtier to God:

አደራ ጠባቂ እንዲህ ነው አዳነ፤ the consignee is Adanä that kept the promise:

በጠቅል ተልኮ ጥሩ እረኛ ሆነ፤; he was sent by Taqel and become good keeper.

ገና በማለዳ ይህንን አውቀው፤ His parents knew everything as early as his birth:

አባት ስም ሲያወጡ አዳነ ብለው፤ and gave the name Adanä / saved something/:

ጠገዴን ከአደጋ ከእሳት አወጣው; He saved Țägädé from fire and accident:

ትንሹምትልቁምሁሉምገረመው፡፡ and that amazed everybody, the man and the little.

በህይወት አለ እንጂ መች መኮነን ሞቷል፤ Mäkonnen /father of Adanä/ still alive:

እንደሳት የሚፋጅ አንበሳ ተክቷል፤ and he substitutes a strong one like a lion; and burn like a fire:

በሄደበት ሁሉ ዛሬም ድል ይመታል፤ still he won victory everywhere he goes.

…እንግዲህ ምስጋና ለእግዜር እናቅርብ፤ … Let us present praise to God:

የአዳነ መሪነት ከፍቷልና በር; that the leadership of Adanä paves the way.

ጃንሆይ መልሱ ለደፋር ውለታ፤ Janhoy / Haylä-Selassé/ have to pay boon to the brave, Adanä:

እሱን እያየ ነው ሁሉም የበረታ፡፡ everybody inspired by the victory of Adanä.227

227

Liqu, p. 183.

64

CHAPTER THREE

LIFE AND CAREER OF DÄJJAZMACH ADANÄ IN THE POST

LIBERATION PERIOD

3.1 Political Achievements of Däjjazmach Adanä in the post liberation period

In the five-year resistance, the late Bitwädäd Adanä, was able to coordinate the Țägädé, Wälqait,

Janora, Ajeré and Armaçiho patriots to cast off fascist rule. Apart from the resistance leadership and

fighting episode, he had regulation that was convinced the whole peoples in Wälqait, Țägädé and the

surrounding areas to pay tribute. Specially, he levied tax on merchants who traded from Humära to

Gondar.228

He also gathered tribute from farmers and other groups who engaged themselves in to

various professions depending up on the level of their income. The tribute served to the consumption

of patriots and other administrative posts. Soon, after Ethiopia liberated the new national

administration arrangement was established. Here, Däjjazmach Adanä continued his tax regulation.

The tribute that remained from consumption was gathered and sent to national treasure.229

When the new post liberation administration setting reinstated, Däjjazmach Adanä nominated as

Wägära and Semén war commander. This delegation was directly from Emperor Haylä-Selasseé in

December 1941.230

After the liberation of Ethiopia, the British government not yet prepared to recognize full authority of

Haylä-Selassé. They considered Ethiopia to be conquered, not liberated country and placed it under

the control of occupied enemy territory administration/OETA/. In return, Hylä-Selassé appointed

seven ministries and announcing that he was formulating the post war government. 231

Soon, the

emperor immediately wired Winston Churchill and on 31, January 1942 the first Anglo-Ethiopian

agreement was signed that stated, ―Ethiopia is now a free and independent state‖ was sign. 232

The

228

Liqu, p. 205.

229 Informant: Shumyä.

230 IES Ms 2393/07/02/9.1 p. 2 ; Liqu, 205.

231 Del Boca, p. 264.

232 Ibid.

65

Ethiopian government was also claimed Ogaden and Eritrea. Ogaden was under the rule of OETA but

by the second Anglo-Ethiopian agreement British promised the area to Ethiopia that restored in

1954.233

Ethiopia also laid a strong claim over Eritrea because it was part of Ethiopian empire before

the Italians made it their colony in 1890.

The emergence of new political groups in Eritrea in the post liberation period strongly challenged

British government. Now British applied the case to the United Nation in 1948. The United Nation

General Assembly took the issue and organized a committee that could investigate the wishes of

Eritrean people. Accordingly, the committee recruited from Burma, Guatemala, Pakistan, South

Africa and Norway. In such a way, the committee had been investigated the wishes of Eritrean

people. With the adoption on December 2, 1950 of the UN resolution 390 vote where Eritrea was to

constitute an autonomous unit federated with Ethiopia with the sovereignty of Ethiopian crown.234

Now, Eritrea become incorporate as fourteenth province of Ethiopian Empire in 1952 and Haylä-

Selasseé inaugurated provincial administration that partly tended to moderate his rule along European

design.235

Bägé-Meder and Semén province was the one and event full province among the fourteen province of

Ethiopia.236

This province was located in the North Western corner of Ethiopia, now the present day

North and South Gondar zone administration.237

In July 1946, the province divided in to seven sub

provinces. Those provinces named Çelga, Wägära, Libo, Däbrä-Tabor, Gondar and Gyent sub

province with their respective districts.238

Among the above sub province, Wägära was my target

233

Bahru, A short p. 201.

234 Ibid. pp. 201-202.

235 Richard Pankhurst etal. The Eleventh International conference of Ethiopian Studies, Addis Ababa University,

1994, p. 299.

236 Masräsha, p. 2.

237 Mulugéta, p. 1; NALA, Folder No.62.1 File No. 17.03, Bä Gondar Akababi Yalu temerte bétoche Ena Téna

Tabiyawäche Seyamé, P. 1.

238 NGAOA Folder No.--, File No. ወ/አ File No, 192/18, Qän Genbot 27/54 E.C. A letter wrote from Däjjazmach

Adanä Lä Amsetu wäräda Gäžiwäch Kalubät.

66

area, which had five districts and other numerous sub districts. Under Wägära sub province, there

were five districts named Dabat, Wägära, Țägädé, Wälqait and Sätit-Humära.239

When the province split in to seven sub provinces in July 1946, Däjjazmach Adanä nominated as

Wägära Awraja governor by the will of Emperor Haylä-Selassé.240

Therefore, on his nomination

period onwards Däjjazmach Adanä made Dabat to his ruling center and continued his govern ship

until the 1974 popular revolution. On that way, in August 1946 Haylä-Selassé was visited Gondar.

On that moment, Däjjazmach Adanä presented the lists of patriots with their epic deeds in the five-

year resistance to approve their political title that granted by Däjjazmach Adanä during the resistance.

Hence, the emperor approved all political titles of patriots that granted during the resistance. In fact,

the emperor gave some rewards to patriots. For instance, he gave numerous houses to patriots and

famous leaders in Gondar.

Here, Däjjazmach Adanä was gained a resting house in September 1941by the will of Leul Alga-

Wärash Asfawäsän when Gondar was liberated. Now the emperor himself approved that house to


Mean while, in 1948, Ras Andärgachäw Mäsay nominated as General

Governor of Bägé-Meder and Semén province. Soon, he introduced the new taxation system that had

exerted certainty of influence on the societies. The new taxation system forced the society to pay

additional fee what they paid previously. This taxation resulted to strong opposition and riot from the

people. Specially, the peoples in Semén Janamora headed by Qäñazmach Aƫnafu Mäshäsha strongly

opposed that tax reform and the people become disobedient to the government. This situation

reported to Däjjazmach Adanä from the governor of Janamora district. Thereupon, in August 1948

Däjjazmach Adanä gathered some soldiers and escorts to march against the oppositions. There,

Qäñazmach Aƫnafu coordinated the local people and fought against Däjjazmach Adanä. Now of

confront, Däjjazmach Adanä was wounded and captured by the bandit Aƫnafu. Then he becomes war

prisoner for 28 days at Mäkanä-Berhan town, Janamora.242

239

NALA Folder No.62.1 File No 17.03.

240 IES Ms 2393/07/02/9.1 p. 4.

241 Liqu, p. 208.

242 Ibid. p. 210; Informants: Aläbachäw, Dasäw, Läwté and Shumyä.

67

The capture of Däjjazmach Adanä informed to the central government. Then the governments,

Ministry of Governance send an army headed by Major General Märeid Mängäsha that accompanied

by aircrafts. On the other hand, the Țägädé patriots headed by Fitawrari Bärihun Dässé marched to

Semén and encircled the revolt makers at Mäkanä-Berhan. In due course, Däjjazmach Adanä escaped

and merged with the central power. There, the insurrections and riots was calm down by the central

force and agreed to pay the tax that levied from the government.243

However, Däjjazmach Adanä was going to Asmara by plane for further medication and treatment.

After better treatment and recovered Däjjazmach Adanä returned to his center Dabat and resumed his

ruling task, governing Wägära Awraja.244

Däjjazmach Adanä was the most beloved and respected

man among government officials. He was the only patriot that got political title and leadership

responsibility from the people during the five-year resistance. Most importantly, his remarkable

struggle against fascist was unforgettable to everybody who loved its country.

Meanwhile, in 1952, the former banda groups made conspiracy over Däjjazmach Adanä to hide their

treason. Accordingly, they made various fault information and evidence that blamed Däjjazmach

Adanä as if he always made embezzlement. In such a way, in 1952 he transferred towards Çelga

Awraja.245

He governs Çelga Awraja only for one year. In the next year, Däjjazmach Adanä had been

going to Addis Ababa to justify the case and appealed to return towards his former center, Wägära

Awraja. He was directly talked with the emperor and justify about the fictional conspiracy which

arranged by former banda groups who lost their parents in the resistance. After crosschecked the

situation, the Emperor restored Däjjazmach Adanä to his former positions in 1953 that ruled it up to

the fall of the monarchy in 1974.246

3.2 Fascist Attempts to Assassinate Däjjazmach Adanä.

As we have stated Däjjazmach Adanä was the leader of patriots during the five-year resistance.

Unlike him, there were various banda leaders specially, in weskit among the famous banda leaders;

243

Informants: Dasäw, Shumyä and Zämariam.

244 Liqu, p. 210.

245 Informants: Dasäw, Getachäw, Habtamu, Seläsh and Shumyä.

246 IES Ms 2393/07/02/9.1 p. 5; Masräsha p. 14; Informant: Yähualashät.

68

Däjjazmach Golla Goshu was the one and prominent banda leader. However, the parents of

Däjjazmach Golla wanted to avenge the patriot‘s leader, Däjjazmach Adanä and always-fascist banda

await him to shot down. In 1963, bandits from Tegrai, Wälqait and some other areas begun to

challenged the surrounding society. 247

In that year, Däjjazmach Adanä marched towards the area with

his escort to maintain peace and security. Based on the information that delivered from the society, he

moved towards the suspected groups to either punish or convince them. More of, he allowed mercy

those who wanted to surrender. In such a way, Däjjazmach Adanä arrived at a place called Qabtiya;

which was the area between sätit-Humära and Wälqait. There the parents of Däjjazmach Golla Goshu

made conspiracy to assassinate Däjjazmach Adanä.248

Thereupon, they used one of the famous bandits in the area, Mäkonnen Bärhé. In such a way, they

advised him to surrender and request mercy to Däjjazmach Adanä. Then on 23, May 1963 Mäkonnen

Barhé did what he ordered from his parent so as to assassinate Däjjazmach Adanä. Hence, Däjjazmach

Adanä welcomed him and talked about the security of the area. However, on that moment Mäkonnen

had a pistol that escaped from the inspection of the keepers. When Däjjazmach Adanä look down to

write something, Mäkonnen shot on him and severely wounded in unexpected way. On that instant,

one of the keepers instantly shot down Mäkonnen and soon he died there.249

However, Däjjazmach Adanä narrowly escaped from death and sent to Asmara hospital for farther

medication. When the Emperor informed about the strike on Däjjazmach Adanä, he sent helicopter to

transport Däjjazmach Adanä towards Asmara. After he threaten and recovered returned to his center,

Dabat. 250

In the mean time, his elder sister‘s son Näga Näwätä who fought Italians several times

under him opposed the central government under the pretext of nomination. Apart from his patriot

epic deeds in the five-year resistance, he served us court head at Armaçiho district for main years.

Meanwhile, he disputed with some groups over the question of commercial crops production land

possession. The case reached on General Governor of Bägé-Meder and Semén province Ras Emiru

247

Liqu, p. 212.

248 Informants: Dasäw and Aläbachäw.

249 Informants: Shumyä and Zämariam.

250 Liqu, p. 213; Informant: Yähualashät.

69

Yigäzu.251

On the bases of the above conspiracy, Näga Näwätä transferred towards North Showa. He

strongly appealed to the then concerned bodies to return his former position. However, no one gave

appropriate response to him a positive response. By this case, Näga stands against the monarchical

government in 1972, he produced pamphlets that blamed the monarch regarding with various issues.

In fact, he was able to communicate with some opponent groups such as with Ethiopian student‘s

movement. He distributed various pamphlets to students in Gondar health collage and other

secondary school students to intense anti feudal movement. Then after, he began to cooperate with

students and other elites who lived abroad.252

He stationed in Armaçiho and Țägädé desert that was comfortable for fighting and forts. Then

nobody attempted to fight with Näga Näwätä; rather the government preferred peace full resolution

with Näga. In due course, Hailé Salsas called Däjjazmach Adanä to his palace and allowed him to

justify the case of Näga. After Däjjazmach Adanä informed everything about the case, Hailä Selassé

gave the responsibility to him in order to resolve the case. Accordingly, after a great deal with Näga,

he was able to convince him and took Addis Ababa. Then Näga present the issue to the emperor

about the deaf ear of the officials to his problem. In such a way, the emperor realized Näga‘s problem

and restored him towards his former position. 253

Politically, Däjjazmach Adanä was influential in the north Western corner regions of Ethiopia. Even

he was an influential over Gondar Awraja specially, on the areas of Armaçiho. Since the area

adjoined with Sudan, he carried out various political and social issues that maintain Ethio-Sudanese

relation to be positive. On the one or another hand, there was a minor clash that occurred several

times between Ethiopian farmers and Sudanese people under the pretext of border claim. In such a

way, in 1950‘s onwards Däjjazmach Adanä had huge responsibility to keep the border peoples and

251

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/30, File No. 14/546, Qän 25/6/59 E.C A letter written from Ras Emiru Yigäzu,

Gondar Lätäkäbäru Däjjazmach Adanä Mäkonnen, yä Wägära Awraja Gäži, Dabat.

252 Liqu, p. 220.

253 Ibid.

70

territories. 254

For instance, in August 1968 seven Sudanese farmers crossed along Sätit-Humära and

begun harvest in the area called Maycadra.

On that moment, Däjjazmach Adanä directly captured them and took towards Humära town for

detection. However, for the sake of the two countries smooth relation, they released with the

exception of two Sudanese because of their hold of a firearm.255

On the other hand, both the border

peoples were enNgaged to loot cattle and other properties each other so many times. To show an

example, on February 8, 1968 fifty Sudanese police come across Ethiopian territory and appealed to

Humära police station that tended to restore the looted cattle. Däjjazmach Adanä was meeting and

discussed about the issue with Sudanese security power. Accordingly, he promised to detect those

cattle but warned their come back with equipped firearms.256

Most of the time, Ethiopians were crossed to Sudanese border and lived with in Sudan. However,

under the pretext of border clash and looting of the border peoples, Sudanese government forced to

drove out Ethiopians from their territory. Therefore, Ethiopians returned towards Ethiopia either by

legal way or by illegal return mainly through Humära and Mätäma. Here, Däjjazmach Adanä had a

huge responsibility to receive and accommodate those emigrants.257

Here, Sudanese people either

they organized by national government or the local people they invaded Ethiopian territory several

times. Example, in October 26, 1968 Sudanese government police and Territorial Army occupied

much territory along Humära district that was originally not Sudanese. Since they were enough

254

NGAOA Folder No. --File No. ወ/111/19/42, Qän 19/3/60 E.C A letter written from Wägära Awraja Gezat Lä

Kebur Lieutenant Colonel Tamerat Yigäzu Yä Bägé-meder Ena Semén Țäqelay Gezat Endä Rasé, Gondar.

255 NGAOA Folder No-- File No, 35/525, Qän 4/05/60 E.C A letter written from Fitawrari Bäqälä Zäläläw, Yä

Bägé-meder Ena Semén Țäqelay Gezat Erädat Endä Rasé, Gondar. Lä Täkäbäru Däjjazmach Adanä, Yä Wägära Awraja

Gäzi, Dabat.

256 NGAOA Folder No.--ኢትዮ-ሱዳን ድንበር (Ethio-Sudan Border), File No.-Ref. No.35/542/57, Qä, Ŝer 8/60 E.C.

A letter written from Fitawrari Bäqälä Zäläläw, Yä Bägẽ-Meder Ena Semẽn Gezat Rädat Endärasẽ, Gondar; Lä

Täkäbäru Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen, Yä Wägära Awraja Gäẑi, Dabat. ( a letter that stated about the capture of 50

Sudanese with in Ethiopian territory under the pretext of finding their lost cattle)

257

NGAOA Folder No. ኢትዮ-ሱዳን ድንበር(Ethio-Sudan Border). File No.--Ref. No. 35/876/57, Qän, Genbot

27/1957 E.C. A letter written from Lieutnent Tamrat Yigäzu Yä Bägẽ-Meder Ena Semẽn Gezat Endärasẽ, Gondar; Lä

Täkäbäru Däjjazmach Adanä Mäkonnen, Yä Wägära Awraja Gäẑi; Lä Fitawrari Täsfayä Asnaqä, Yä Gondar Awraja

Gäẑi; Lä Fitawrari Färädä Ŝerunäh, Yä Çelga Awraja Gäẑi, Bäyalubät. This letter describes about the exiled Ethiopians in

Sudan and their fate.

71

mechanized, Däjjazmach Adanä reported the situation to Tamrat Yigäzu, the then General Governor

of Bägé-Meder and Semén province. On 29, October1968 Tamrat reported the situation to the central

government, Ministry of Governance.258

Entirely Däjjazmach Adanä had a great responsibility to

preserve his territory and even he was incredible in solving border clashes regarding with the claim of

the areas.

3.3 Rewards and Gifts to Bitwädäd Adanä

Based on his epic deeds Haylä-Selassé gave the most prestigious political title to Däjjazmach Adanä.

As we have stated earlier, he granted the title Qäñazmach from Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän Kassa in

1931. Meanwhile, when fascist invaded Ethiopia in 1935, he strongly fought Italians throughout the

five-year resistance. On that case, he was coordinated patriots and beat off fascist at Țägädé-Medrä-

Gäbäta in 1937. Soon, the people of Țägädé were gathered and appreciate the heroic deeds of patriots

and gave the political title of Däjjazmach to Qäñazmach Adanä in 1937.259

When fascist completely

drove out and Ethiopia maintained her independence, Haylä-Selassé himself nominated Däjjazmach

Adanä as governor of Wägära Awraja and approved that political title which earned from the people.

260

258 NGAOA Folder No.ኢትዮ-ሱዳን ድንበር(Ethio-Sudan Border). File No.-Ref. No.75/250/57, Qän, Hedar 3/1960

E.C. Bertu Mister (urgent secret)A letter written from Däjjazmach Keflẽ Ergätẽ Minstery og Governance Lä Lieutnent

Tamrat Yigäzu Yä Bägẽ-Meder Ena Semẽn Gezat Endärasẽ, Gondar. The letter describes to verify the problems that

Sudanese state police occupaied Ethiopian territory that had governed by Bitwädad Adanä Mäkonnen.

259 Informants: Aläbachäw, Shumyä and Seläsh.

260 IES Ms 2393/07/02/9.1 P. 4.

72

Figure 1: Däjjazmach Adanä 1946 when he nominated as Governor of Wägära Awraja. (Photo

adopted from Liqu)

Meanwhile, the political economic and social deeds of Däjjazmach Adanä become inspirational and

heroic deed. It was also with neighboring countries of Ethiopia, Sudan. This resulted to get the

respected political title, Bitwädad in 1966 on the hands of the emperor.261

Beyond political title nomination, Bitwädäd Adanä won numerous medallion rewards and gifts from

the government, other personnel groups who admired him and from the British government.

261

IES Ms 2393/07/02/9.1 p. 6.

73

The first medallion was from Ethiopian government that was the medal of patriots for his epic deeds

during the five-year resistance. The second medal was Saint George epic deeds medallion from the

government. British government had given a gold star medallion to Bitwädäd Adanä under the

agency of Africans star victorious gold medallion for those who scored victory and resisted Italians in

Africa. Bitwädäd Adanä was also rewarded the honorary gold star medallion of Menilik II and Haylä-

Selass I. Saint George Cavalry level of Cordon medal was another reward from Ethiopian

government. Above all, he rewarded the Judah Solomon honorary gold star medal from the Emperor

that was very much-respected gift because it believed as the genealogical relation witness with the

Judah Solomon.262

Medal of British victory gold star British Gold star medals for African stars medal of Ethiopian patriots

Honor Medal of Menilik II Honor medal of Haylä-selassé I Saint George epic deed medal

Figure 2: The various medal rewards of Bitwädäd Adanä (adopted from Liqu)

262

Liqu, p. 223. Informants: Dasäw, Shumyä, Yähualashät.

74

Bitwädäd Adanä had a tightened relation with the Emperor that was both formal and informal

relations. Beyond political relation based on hierarchical authority, he wrote letters and wired directly

to the emperor. In fact, Haylä-Selassé himself wrote a various letters to Bitwädäd Adanä regarding

with political and social customs.263

(See appendix-IV) Bitwädäd Adanä was also wrote a letter to the

emperor several times that stated congratulation to the annual celebration of his majesty birthday.

Apart from letters, Haylä-Selassé and Bitwädäd Adanä had communicated by telegram messages,

mostly during New Year celebration of good wishes, happy birthday to his majesty, good wishes on

the journey or visiting of his majesty and the like non-politics relation between them was a common

phenomenon.264

(See appendix V)

3.4 Economic and Infrastructural Achievements of Bitwädäd Adanä

Bitwädäd Adanä had a significant role to the development of North Western corner region of Ethiopia

in the spread of education, health improvement and for other infrastructural settings. In the field of

education, Bitwädäd Adanä was inaugurated many primary and junior schools in that areas. Wägära

Awraja was relatively the most strategic and progressed Awraja in political, social and economic as

well as infrastructural requirements. Bitwädäd Adanä made relentless endeavor to set up various

schools by coordinating community participation. In fact, its center, Dabat town served as tourist

center for those who come and visit the national park, Semén mountains national park. It was from

both Addis Ababa and Asmara. In such a way, the population growth rate at Dabat was increased

alertly which also resulted to the spread of education and increased students number. It estimated

around 885 students at Dabat town in 1960. This forced to additional school facility. Accordingly,

Bitwädäd Adanä began to mobilize the people to construct additional class and school materials.

To do thus, he proposed to collect 20,000 birr from the society. More importantly, the Swedish

government had been sponsored such attempts. In such a way, Bitwädäd Adanä constructed huge

buildings by the integrated efforts of Sweden and the community participation that still served as

263

NGAOA Folder No.ጠ/ግ/ልዩልዩ File No-, A letter of invitation from Haylä-selassé to Lä Täkäbäru Däjjazmach

Adanä, Thursday 5, 1948 E.C.

264 NGAOA Folder No. ጠ/ግ/ልዪ ልዪ File No.-- A letter of good wish of Happy New Year that sent from Haylä-

Selassẽ to his excellency Däjjazmach Adanä, 1964 E.C.

75

Dabat preparatory school.265

(See Appendix VI) In 1950‘s on wards, numerous primary schools built

up with in Wägära Awraja. To show some schools, in 1952, he inaugurated Märäba-Mariam primary

school.266

(See appendix VII) Another school that founded by Bitwädäd Adanä was Țägädé–Däbas-

kendesh junior school which inaugurated in 1963 with the influence of Bitwädäd Adanä.267

(See

appendix VIII) He also inaugurated junior schools in Țägädé, Humära, Wägära, Wälqait, Märäba,

Janora, Qänƫa and the like primary and junior schools in 1950‘s and 1960‘s.268

Beyond formal education, there was religious education that extensively produced clergies. Here, he

was integrated religious education with secular thought. Those who admit religious education were

become talent while they diverted to secular education.269

(See appendix IX) In general, Bitwädäd

Adanä played such a significant role to the spread of education within his Awraja.

Apart from inaugurating numerous schools, he had incredible deeds regarding with the improvement

of health sectors improvement. Since Wägära Awraja has much areas of lowland, it exposed to

different epidemic disease as well as malaria. There was also various types of communicable disease

that has been severely challenged the society various times in Wälqait, Wägära, Țägädé, kinfaze and

the like areas. 270

Therefore, Bitwädäd Adanä tried to calm down the spread of that disease by

communicating with the General Governor of Bägé-Meder and Semén. The situation was further

worried and Haylä-Selassé I university public health college and training center at Gondar had been

deeply involved to vaccination programs so as to chase the spread of those epidemic disease all over

265

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/19 File No.-- Ref. No. 8/1723//976/9, Qän Tahesace 9/1960 E.C, A letter written from

Berhanu Engdashät, yä Ŝäqelay Gezatu Temert Betoch Śefät Bet shum Lä; Täkäbäru Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen Yä

Wägära Awraja Gäzi, Dabat.

266 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/19 File No. -- Ref. No. 14594/26/52 Qän Genbot 22/1952 E.C. A letter wrote from

Qäńazmach Bäqälä Zäläläw Yä Bägẽmeder Ena Semẽn Ŝäqelay Gezat Director; Lä Täkäbäru Däjjazmach Adanä

Mäkonnen, Yä Wägära Awraja Gäẑi, Dabat.

267 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/19 File No,--Ref. No.4347/26/52, Qän Hedar 12/ 1952 E.C, A letter written from

Däjjazmach Keflẽ Ergätẽ Yä Ŝäqelay Gezatu Endärasẽ, Lä Täkäbäru Däjjazmach Adanä Mäkonnen, Yä Wägära Awraja

Gäẑi, Dabat.

268 Informants: Dasäw, Getachäw and Shumyä.

269 NGAOA Folder No.-- File No. 22/ወ9/29/47.Ref. No. 2/2292/326/10, Qän 8/4/1963 E.C. A letter written from

Täsfayä Eräda Yä Ŝäqelay Gezatu Sera Askihaj Lä Wägära Awraja Śefät Bet, Dabat.

270 NGAOA Folder No.-- File number, 2490/42, Qän19/3/1949 E.C, A letter wrote from Bitwädäd Adanä Yä

Wägära Awraja Gäži Lä Țäqelay Gezatu Şefätebét, Gondar.

76

in the province.271

(See appendix X) The spread of epidemic disease in 1950‘s specially, in Wälqait

and Țägädé was strongly worried all the concerned bodies to save the society in that areas. Even

Ethiopian Orthodox church attributed a lot of significance to give emphasis about that disease. Here,

the then bishop of Bägé-Meder and Semén named Abba Ṕéƫros wrote a letter to expose the Wälqait

and Țägädé problems to the Governor office in 1958.272

(See appendix XI)

The occurrence of fatal disease several times with in the province required to inaugurate permanent

and formal clinics. Therefore, Bitwädäd Adanä in his reign time, between 1946 up to 1974 built up

numerous medication centers to improve the society health care and protect the spread of epidemic

disease with in his province. To do thus, Bitwädäd Adanä wrote a letter various times towards the

concerned bodies. In 1954, he wrote a letter that justifies the occurrence of various diseases

consecutively in the lowland areas of Wälqait, Țägädé Humära, Dansha and the like areas. In such a

way, to give more emphasis about the issue he again wrote a letter to Imperial public Health Minister

in 1962.273

(See appendix XII)

The people‘s representatives in Wälqait and Țägädé were appealed to the establishment of public

health center in Wälqait, Humära, Țägädé and Dansha. This application letter fomented the governor

General Head office to pay great attention about the people‘s critical problem and the office

announced to Imperial Ministry of Public health in 1954. In such a way, Bitwädäd Adanä coordinated

the societies for labor service while the Imperial Public health Minister funded some budget to

inaugurate public health center at the above areas. Hence, one year later, those health centers

271

NGAOA Folder No.-- File No. ወ213/19/42, Ref. No.1915/7/5, April 18, 1963. A letter wrote from Haile

Selassie I University, Public Health College Training Center, Gondar. To Lieutnant General Näga Haylä-Selassé,

Governor General of Bägé-meder and Semén, Gondar and Lä Wägvra Awraja Gezat Śefät Bét, Dabat. The medication

program that designed by Godar Public Health College and gave much vaccination servise in Wägära Awraja in late

1950‘s E.C.

272 NGAOA Folder No,- File No ወ213/19/42 .Ref. No. 497/56, A letter of medication quest written from Aba

Ṕéros ṔaṔas Zä Gondar Wä Zä Kulu Adiamiha, Lä Ŝäqelay Gezatu Śefät Bét, Gondar. For further information, see

appendix XII that the then pope of Bägẽ-Meder and Semẽn wrote a letter to the provincial Adminstration Office, which

implies how much the disease was such worried.

273 NGAOA Folder No.-- File No, 6267/6 .July 26, 196, A letter written from Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnento

General Governor of Bägé-Meder and Semén province, Gondar.

77

established at Țägädé-Qeraqer, Țägädé-Dansha, Wälqait-Adirämäƫ and Sätit Humära. In fact, the

Humära health center was a Junior Hospital.274

(See appendix XII)

Apart from health improvement endeavor, Bitwädäd Adanä played a significant role in reinstating the

Humära-Gondar vehicle road. Initially, that road constructed by Italians, which tended to facilitate

their movement towards Gondar from their station, Asmara. Accordingly, Italians were paving the

road that connected Asmara from Gondar through Omnhajär, Humära, Wälqait, Țägädé and

Armaçiho.275

However, the Humära- Gondar road line was broke down by patriots during the five-year resistance

against fascist occupation. The road mainly served for Italians in order to facilitate their provisions

and supplies during the resistance period. Beyond this, the road was highly benefited Italians during

confronts because they were able to rapidly escaped and regrouped using their vehicles. In such a

way, the road had less importance for patriots and they cast down many bridges and block the road

for vehicles. Mean while, after fascist drove out from the area, it was important to reinstate the

Humära-Gondar road line. Accordingly, Bitwädäd Adanä coordinated the community for both

financial source and labor service to reconstruct the road. In such a way, the road was becomes

available for vehicles on 8, December 1960‘ by the relentless effort of Bitwädäd Adanä that exerted

certainty of influence from the government by writing back up and recalling letters.276

Bitwädäd

Adanä was proponent to the inauguration of Humära Bank; that was state bank of Humära branch in

1960. Since the area largely dominated by commercial farming, merchants and farmers were able to

maneuver huge business. However, there was the problem of bandits that challenged merchants and

other businesses men in the area. Therefore, Bitwädäd Adanä requested to open state bank to resolve

such problem. Not only preserving peace and security in the region, but also he was inaugurated state

274

NGAOA Folder No.-- File No. ወ 213/19/42 Ref. No. 4166/42/54, Qän 14/11/1954 E.C. A letter of Public

Clinic inauguration query, written from Bägé-meder and Semén province, Gondar to Ministry of Public Health, Addis

Ababa. For further information, see appendix XII that the letter of the Health College in Gondar was wrote by the

influence of Bitwädäd Adanä that he describes effectively about the danger of the disease.

275 Liqu, p. 216; Informant: Yähualashät.

276 NGAOA Folder No. 142/17, File No. 1200/441, Qän Tahsace 1/1961 E.C. Lä kebur lieutenant Tamerat Yigäzu

Yä Bägé-meder Țäqelay Gezat Endä Rasé, Gondar, kä Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen Dabat; for further information see the

above letter that Bitwädäd Adanä wrote a letter of financial quest and awared the head of the province about the necessity

of the road. He noted numerous rivers, which were needed huge briges to construct the road lonely with out government

aid; Liqu, p.216; Informants: Dasäw, Hailu and Shumyä.

78

bank of Ethiopia at Humära. Here, he was an exemplary in using bank service and adopted the

importance of banks to the society by eroding their frustration to use bank service. 277

Bitwädäd Adanä was such an exemplary ruler in everything that he paves the way to further

advancement and improvement of the society. Specially, he was an influential to spread of education,

people‘s health care, advancement of mechanized farming and the like. He was the first that able to

install mechanized farming in Țägädé particularly at Marzänäb. The center was his private

mechanized commercial farming that was able to produce much sesame, cotton and sorghum.

Bitwädäd Adanä was the pioneer and proponent ruler that advised the emperor to established

government commercial farming at Humära. Accordingly, in 1950‘s he inaugurated Humära

commercial farming by the will of his Majesty, Haylä-Selassé. Bitwädäd Adanä as General Manager

ran that farming center. However, the farming center was highly challenged by destructive insects

several times in 1960‘s. Bitwädäd Adanä as a manager announced the problem repeatedly seeking for

medicine supply and treatment.278

(See appendix XIII) In such a way he made treatments and able to

save the devastation of agricultural products in that region. The oil seeds and sorghum that produced

to market accelerated the advancement of foreign transaction for Ethiopia.279

277

Ibid.

278 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/19፣ File No.111/42, Qän 25/1/1963. A Telegram letter that sent from Grazmach

Mängestu Terunäh Yä Bägé-meder Ena Semén Ŝäqelay Gezat Ŝäqelay Śähafi, Lätäkäbäru Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen,

Humära and Radio communication reports from Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen, from Humära. There was extensive

agricultural investement specially cereal crops and oilseeds in the area that Bitwädäd Adana was run the over all

command of state farmings in Humära and its souraunding.

279 Informant: Shumyä, Yähualashät and Zämariam.

79

CHAPTER FOUR

THE FALL OF THE MONARCH AND BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ’S RESISTANCE

AGAINST DÄRG

4.1 The Fall of the Monarch

The last ruler of solomonic dynasty who ruled Ethiopia long period of time before and after Italian

war, Haylä-Selassé begun challenged by different sects of the society that resulted to popular

revolution against the monarchy.280

It was mainly due to the irresponsible and feudal exploitative

nature of the government. Initially, his administration setting was looks like moderate and progressive

governmental regulations. However, the government had relentless endeavor for the sake of his

majesty prestige and the royal family luxurious life.281

Here, extra ordinary peoples were not enjoyed

equal education access, health treatment, political right economic benefits and the like.

More importantly, the gäbar system was highly degraded peasants working habits that lead to in

security of foods and other basic needs. So, peasants were forced to the principal that ‗‘the more you

get, the more you pay‘‘ that made peasants to be reluctant to produce effectively. In short the gäbar

system forced peasants to pay ¾th

of the total yield or production to governmental officers and

property owners.282

Beyond this, in the period land sale and commerce become common phenomena

that resulted to peasants to be landless tenancy either by force full alienation or by selling the land by

the will of the peasants with little payment. This resulted to peasants aliened from their ancestral land.

This irresponsible land regulation and over taxation scored stagnant agricultural products that were

not secured peasant‘s food security. By the time agriculture was the backbone of Ethiopian economy

that covered 80% of the total GDP. However, it had no progress and even it did not maintained

280

Andargachew Tiruneh, The Ethiopian Revolution 1974-1987: A transformation from Aristocratic to totalitarian

Autocracy (Cambridge: Cambridge University press, 1995), p.56.

281 Vivó, p. 51.

282Ibid.

80

peasants food security due to the irresponsible human made factors that accompanied by various

natural factors.283

Now, peasant‘s life become worse from time to time that leads to peasant‘s opposition against the

monarch. The government tried its best to hide the worse life of the peasant instead of resolving the

crisis. However, some elites and Ethiopian students inside and abroad had been screen out the crisis

to the international community. Thus, even though Ethiopia was an agricultural country with 85% of

the population living in the countryside and with tremendous natural resources the country usually

went to bed hungry and every drought brought long period of famine. External trade also decreased

that based on exporting agricultural products that covered 90 percent of export trade items. Regarding

with infrastructure it was the lowest in the world.284

Vivo stated, ―There were only 3 Kilometers in every 10,000 peoples and 7 Kilometers of passable routes for

every 1000 square kilometers of land. You can imagine the situation in the social services, health, education

and housing. Fidel told the world ‗imperialism and neocolonialism left in Ethiopia. I repeat this, because we

have to learn that figure by heart- 150,000 people with Leprosy, 450, 000 people with tuberculosis 6 or 7

million with malaria and 14 million with eye infection; and 90% illiteracy and undernourishment. That is what

imperialism and neocolonialism left in Ethiopia plus 125 doctors, who for the most part trained in those

universities. However, they lived in the Capital, as is frequently the case in Africa and in other underdeveloped

countries in other part of the world. Nobody could make them moreover km out of the capitals. This has been

one of the greatest proofs of very revolutionary patriotism. While, the people accepted this sacrifice, they have

brought to the struggle men; women; veterans, who fought against the invader once before and barefoot

children. People who take up their posts with the same favor with which they work the land what is now theirs

and who, once they run out of shells, go on, knife in hand to attack the enemy‘s machine gun nests. Ethiopia‘s

greatest wealth - now completely its own- is its mass‘‘285

To sum up the revolution worse cost of living, the irresponsible regulation of land tenure, the spread

of hunger and famine, the spontaneous uprising of the mass of workers and peasants. city intellectuals

283

Vivó, p. 116.

284 Geoffrey Last etal, A History Ethiopian in Pictures: From Ancient to Modern Times(Addis Ababa: Arada books

press, 2014), p.64.

285 Geoffrey, P. 64.

81

against the feudal bourgeoisie regime, the realization of armed groups that they were a part of people;

rather than a tool for suppression, students revolt seeking of reforms and improvement, teachers

opposition against a new educational sector review were the main and principal sects of the society

that made the revolt to be mass revolution.286

However, the old oligarchy government was tried its

best in order to calm down the revolution that supported by USA. Nevertheless, Nasser of Egypt and

Kaddafi of Libya joined with the armed groups in order to cast away the reaction of the government.

On the other hand, since the revolution was people‘s revolution, a very spontaneous revolution, to

which the armed forces gave direction. Mean while, the various military units coordinated and

captured the power of the state that marked the total collapse of monarchial rule throughout the

country and the military government takes over state power.287

Soon the military government

established Provisional Military Administration Council /PMAC/ and took various reforms.

4.2 The Genesis of Resistance against Därg and the Role of Bitwädäd Adanä

Mäkonnen

After the fall of the monarch, the military government took state power and begun to regulate its

dictatorship administration. Since the popular revolution had no any political parties, that directed the

military units coordinated and redirect the opposition. Student‘s movement that uploaded various

anti– feudal rules had some sort of Leninism and Marxism ideology that the military government

showed some degree of adherent to precede such ideology.288

Now, the military groups established a

provisional state council called PMAC (provisional military administration council. Therefore, Aman

Michael Andom becomes chairperson; however, he suspect as treason under the pretext of his

attempts to separate of Eritrea and he executed. Then after, the PMAC chairperson becomes Mängistu

Haylä-Mariam since June 28, 1974.289

The execution of various feudal officers including high-level

aristocrats becomes the first step of the military rule brutality. Mängistu Haylä-Mariam reorganized

his cabinet and executed numerous feudal officers; suspecting that they may repulse the revolution

286

Vivó, pp. 60-61.

287 Ibid. p. 61.

288 Liqu, p. 227.

289 Bahru, A history of modern p. 235.

82

under the pretext of corruption.290

The execution continued gradually towards provisional and Awraja

governors who opposed the reforms of the military rule. However, the military government was again

faced a strong resistance from different sects of society. Those opposition groups were generally

categorized in to leftist/ left wing/ and rightist /right wing/ political groups. The leftist groups were

educated workers, trade unionists and some other groups. Among such political group Ethiopian

People‘s Revolutionary Party, /EPRP/ was the leading leftist group that demanded to the formation of

republican government.291

The second groups were rightist which formed after Därg‘s land proclamation in 1975. It had no

popular support and even Därg had given little emphasis compared with that of EPRP and the

Separatist Eritrea.292

More importantly, in 1975 Därg took nationalization proclamation of urban and

rural land, bank, insurance, extra house, private enterprises etc that eradicate the economical

advantages of feudal aristocrats which embarked the opposition against Därg from those groups

which lost their economical and political benefits.293

More importantly, this reform accompanied by

brutal rule that violated some democratic and human rights that resulted to the rise of various political

or opposition groups in different parts of Ethiopia.

Similarly, this political sentiment towards North Western corner of Ethiopia especially in Wägära

Awraja. In Dabat, the military force of 12th

battalion took illegal action over government officers and

even the illiterate Därg troops had carried out violation of human rights.294

On that moment, the Governor

of Wägära Awraja Bitwädäd Adanä with his officials and some proponent individuals sat for

discussion to resolve that problem and finally, Bitwädäd Adanä sent a letter towards General Näga

Tägäñe that advocated people‘s resentment.295

290

Ibid. p. 238. Informants: Aynshät, Shumyä, and Yähualashät,

291 Gabru Tareke, Ethiopia power and protest: peasant revolts in the twentieth century (New York: Cambridge

University press, 1995), p.163.

292 Gabru, p. 163.

293 Edmond J. Keller, Revolutionary Ethiopia: from Empire to Peoples Republic (Bloomington and Indiana Polis:

India University press, 1988), pp. 166-170.

294 Informants: Aläbachäw and Dasäw.

295 NGAOA Folder NO. ወ.አ .ፀ .30, File No. 7532/12, Qän 14/11/1966 E.C, A letter wrote to the Governor General

of Bägé-Meder and Semén Province, Gondar; From Wägära Awraja Governorate Secretariat office, Dabat.

83

General NägaTägäñe reported the situation to General Commander of the army, Jagma Kéllo. In such

a way, the army commander sent a committee that headed by Wäsäna Jedah to investigate the crisis at

Dabat. Accordingly, Genera NägaTägäñe wrote a letter to Bitwädäd Adanä about the coming of

committee from central government that coordinated with the Ŝäqelay Gezat police force. He

informed to Bitwädäd Adanä to resolve the problem as much as possible and soon reported to

him.296

Bitwädäd Adanä warned and recalled the people that have to take reaction against the army

coordinated with the local people. He also advised to General Näga Tägäñe and Ras Mängäsha Seyum

that not to accept the military rule whatever it appeased by power or any other prestige.297

Bitwädäd Adanä saw the cruelty rule of PMAC and he tried to convince the people to repulse the

brutality rule. Some people accepted the resistance idea of Bitwädäd Adanä while some groups keep

silent and some others fled to abroad. The Därg nationalization program was the one that fomented

anti–Därg resistance from landowners, bourgeoisie and former government officers.298

On that

movement, Bitwädäd Adanä predicated the brutality rule of Därg and he begun to reorganize his

power. It was to repulse the aggressive and dictatorship Därg. Accordingly, On June 27, 1974

Bitwädäd Adanä and others who were the governors of the seven Awraja named Däjjazmach Tadässä

Läma, Grazmač Abuné Alämé, Däjjazmach Araya Gäbrä-Mädhin, Memihir Bälay Märsha, Ato

Mäsfin Säté and others were meet at the provincial head office, Gondar. On that meeting, they agreed

to oppose and confronted the cruelty military rule.299

Apart from Gondar, this resistance transformed to Gojjam. The then governor of Bahir Dar Awuraja,

Ato Mängäsha Gäsäsä informed about the resistance in Gondar and he sent a message to the governor

of Gojjam, Lej Hailä-Mariam Mängäsha and other influential men to meet at Bahir Dar. It was to

296

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ /ፀ /30, File No. 42/0029/1/12, Qän Hamle,13/1966 E.C A letter from Major General

Näga Tägäñe Lä Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen Yä Wägära Awraja Gäži, Dabat.


298 Liqu, p. 228.

299 Ibid.

84

create a united front against Därg.300

However, this conference and its aim unexpectedly reached at

Därg officers that become sensitive and serious challenges of Därg.

Meanwhile, the conspiracy against military rule in Gondar was another critical issue. In such way,

Därg officers were identified the proponent anti – Därg resistance leaders. Among thus, Bitwädäd

Adanä placed the first wanted leader and some others who mentioned above.301

Därg central

committee had been screen out the plot makers in Gondar and ordered to the then governor of Gondar

provincial administration, General Näga Tägäñe that he should captured the above personals who

tended to send towards Addis Ababa. However, General Näga was strongly opposed the command of

National Ministry of government that noted as if he could not captured the notable and respected guys

without any case; fearing that it may rose up riot and plot from the people.302

Hence, General Näga requested National Ministry of Governance to abrogate the prescription letter to

capture them. Mean while, General Näga directly wired to Lieutenant Mängistu Haylä-Mariam to

cancel that order of arrest that he described about the legality and notability of those individuals by

implying the will be riot from the people. In such away, Lieutenant Mängistu was cancelled that

prescription letter of arrest and gave the overall responsibility of the area to General Näga Tägäñe.

The problem was from the provincial police reserve commander named colonel Bälaynäh that he

initiated to sent Bitwädäd Adanä towards Addis Ababa. It was the final resolution to calm down plots

in Gondar; nobody tended to capture Bitwädäd Adanä because of his odyssey of historical resistance

and experienced leadership that made him to be popular and respected.303

However, colonel Bälay was strongly sought the removal of Bitwädäd Adanä from Gondar and

continued his effort. However, General Näga wanted to hide Bitwädäd Adanä and he gave one

detection case in Qolla Wägära. Partly it tended to concealment. Here, General Näga resigned from

his position and substituted by Sirak Abadi that he suspected as if he had a conspiracy with Bitwädäd

300

Gizachew Adamu, ―A historical Survey of taxation in Gojjam (1901-1969)‖ (BA thesis: Hailé Selasse I

University, May1971), pp.19-20, Masresha p.18.

301 Informants: Endalkachäw, Berhanẽ, Ayneshät Zawdẽ and Zamariam Gabra-Hiwot.

302 Liqu, p. 229.

303 Informants: Aläbachäw, Berlé and Dasäw .

85

Adanä. It was the turning point that Bitwädäd Adanä officially began his resistance against Därg.

During that moment, the one notable local singer of the area named Shiguté stated as follows:

እንዳታባብለው ሙታበት እናቱ /ኢትዮጵያ/;

ደፋር አኮረፈ እነደ ልጀነቱ;

His mother / Ethiopia/ already died that not appease him:

The fearless, / Bitwädäd Adanä/ umbrage like his boyhood time.304

4.3 The Course of the Resistance

On 14, September 1975 Bitwädäd Adanä recalled his honest escort and moved towards Țägädé via

Qolla Wägära. Then after, he stationed at a place called Mayimba between Humära and Țägädé.

There, he began intense anti – Därg resistance in that area by informing the unlawful and inhumanity

of Därg. On that moment, Bitwädäd Adanä had private money at Humära bank and he withdrew only

his money for the sake of reorganized his fellows. On 22, December 1975 Därg executed 60 former

government officers.305

At that moment, Bitwädäd Adanä was at Dansha, the area that located

between Humära and Sorroqa. There, Bitwädäd Adanä informed about the execution of 60 officers by

Därg. This circumstance further fomented and accelerated the resistance against Därg.

Now the popularity of Bitwädäd Adanä‘s in the province already increased that able to dreaded Därg.

This situation further worried Därg and it become execute some notable and popular individuals that

tended to stop some riots.306

Therefore, this mission comes up with strong operation to suppress any

revolt in Gondar. Even this military group sought to capture his own officer, General Näga Tägäñe

under the pretext of his alliance with Bitwädäd Adanä. However, General Näga was retreated

systematically and escaped from detainment that he fled to Sudan. The opposition in the area headed

by Bitwädäd Adanä was scale up from time to time. This forced Därg to make arbitration with

Bitwädäd Adanä using his close relatives Dañäw Wäldä-Selassé.

304

Liqu, p. 232.

305 Bahru, A Modern pp. 238-239.

306 Informants: Aynshat, Zamariam and Dasäw.

86

Though Därg allowed various allowance and appeasement, Bitwädäd Adanä rejected such arbitration

and continued his mobilization. In June 1975, Bitwädäd Adanä committed a strike on Därg military

at Däbarq. That strike held by Ato Näga Näwätä, Ato Zämätä Bäyänä, Ato Asmmamaw Mängistu, and

Shambäl Bäläw Getahun.307

The famous patriot, Ras Wubnäh Täsäma also involved in the opposition

that coordinated anti-Därg struggle in Wägära Wäräda. (See appendix XIV)

On that strike, three military soldiers killed while six wounded. Similarly, on 23 June 1975, Bitwädäd

Adanä himself marched towards Abdulrafi in Armaçiho, near to Sudanese border and prepared a big

festivity that aimed to convince the peoples of Abrajera, Marzänäb, Țägädé, Wälqait and Humära and

redirect their military action plan against Därg. This festivity strongly fomented the opposition that

the whole people realize about the atrocities and brutality that carried out by Därg. This made large

number of people engaged in the opposition against military rule. In that area, south of Abdulrafi-

there was Därg station at a place called Corädäm. Hence, Bitwädäd Adanä sent one fighters group on

7 September 1967 to attack Därg troops at Corädäm that headed by Näga Näwätä, Zäwdu Altah and

Täfära Hailé. On that day, they committed sudden strike at 7: 00 local time and destroyed the camp.308

The experienced fighters of Țägädé and the quality leadership of Bitwädäd Adanä stiffened this

resistance. Mean while, Bitwädäd Adanä realized that he had a full potential to cast down Därg by

coordinating different antagonist groups of Därg both internally and externally. Internally, he sought

to install one political groups that had its own policy and strategy mainly tended to reinstate the

monarchial rule. That was the Ethiopian democratic union /EDU/ which founded by Bitwädäd Adanä

and other former government officials who were aboard and internal in 1975 onwards.309

Externally,

Sudanese government which was some political tendency towards western capitalism as well as that

wanted to avenge the support of Därg in the cause of Sudanese attempted coup d‘état welcomed the

resistance leaders in order to reinstate the pro–western Ethiopian monarchial government. Partly, it

307

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.-- Ref. No. 51/673/69, Qän 17/7/1969 E.C; A letter written from

Colonel Lägäsä Eshäté, Yä Bägé-meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria wana Azaẑi; Lä Gondar Awraja

Astädadär, Gondar, Lä Wägära Awraja Astädadär, Dabat, Lä Sämẽn Awraja Astädadär, Däbarq. For further information

see appendix VIV that wrote from provincial governorate which informed about the integrated revolts in Wägära Awraja

including Ras Wubnäh Täsäma who was the fomous patriots during the fife-year resistance.

308 Informants: Aynshät, Berlé Dasäw and Zämariam

309 Masräsha, p. 14.

87

tended to encroach towards Ethiopian border areas of Mätäma and Humära. Thereupon, the resistance

specially, after the foundation of EDU highly supported by Sudanese government and some other

groups both from internal and external powers.310

4.4 The Formation of Ethiopian Democratic Union/ EDU/ and Major Engagements

of Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen against Därg

The Ethiopian Democratic Union was a movement that comprises the various discontented opposition

groups who lost their political and economical benefits, which formed following the overthrow of

monarchical government.311

The coming to power of the provisional military government in 1974

resulted to political, economical and social transformation in Ethiopia.312

The prime objectives of

EDU was to establish a democratic government by installing of some democratic and human rights

which denied by military government.313

There up on, in 1976 Bitwädäd Adanä gathered some prominent former patriots ordered them to

recall about Därg‘s harsh measures to the people in Țägädé, Abdulrafi, Wälqait, Abrajera, Qolla

Wägära, Janora, Qänƫa and Sätit Humära. In such a way, the peoples of the above area highly

propagated about the military dictator government cruelty. On that year, that was 1967 Bitwädäd

Adanä call the whole people at a place called Marzänäb that located between Soroqa and Abrajera

and briefly discussed about the violation of law, religion, democratic rights and the like by military

rule. Therefore, he was able to convince the whole people that inspired to struggle.314

The formation of EDU had external and internal steps. In the case of internal phase, some old regime

officers including province, sub province, district and even some sub district, governors,

accompanied by some other groups who lost their political and economic benefits regrouped and

discussed about the need to form an opposition group. Specially, the North Western region of

310

Andärgachäw, p. 129; Masräsha, p. 43.

311 Liqu, p. 242.

312 IES Ms 2397/01/10. Aims and objectives of EDU, p. 1; Masräsha, p. 13.

313 Informants: Aläbachäw, Aynshät, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

314 Masräsha, p. 13. Liqu, p. 242.

88

Ethiopia was very important to do such attempt.315

Hence, at the very beginning its discussion center

was at a place called Marzänäb, which is between Soroqa and Abrajira. Some of proponent

individuals who discussed at Marzänäb and attributed a lot of significance to the foundation of EDU

were Ato Näga Näwätä, Ato Wakshum Näwätä, Däjjazmach Tayä Golla, Aser Aläqa Zäwdu Alitah,

Aläqa Tasfayä, Basha Mäaza Azagä, GetachäwYerga, Ato Aƫanaw Wasé Ato Abdulrähman Siraje Ato

yigäzu Näga and some others were the leading personal.316

Figure 3: The pointed one is Bitwädäd Adanä, and other fighters dealing with the

formation of EDU 1975(adapted from Lieu)

The EDU abroad formation was inaugurated on four, August 1975 in London that primarily founded

by exiled former government officials in different regions. Such as, General Näga Tägäñe, the former

Head Governor of Bägé-Meder and Semén province who represent that region, Leal Ras Mängäsha

Seyum, the former Head of Tigrai, the crown prince Märeid-Azmach Asfawäsän and Lieutenant

General Eyasu Mängäsha, who was Ethiopian Ambassador in London. They coordinated with other

315

Masräsha, p. 24.

316 Ibid; Informants: Habtamu, Mulugeta, Seläsh and Zämariam.

89

Ethiopian exiles officially formed EDU as political organization that primarily tended to reinstate the

monarchical government by over throw the military rule.317

On the other hand, former government officers who fled to Sudan joined to this huge struggle and

begun to fomented ant-Därg struggle in the area. Therefore, on 11, November 1976 Bitwädäd Adanä

met with prominent former government officers such as General NägaTägäñe and Ras Mängäsha

Seyum at one of Sudanese province, Gädarif that is the nearest provincial center of Sudan to

Ethiopia.318

They discussed about the strategies and techniques about the struggle against Därg.

Beyond this, after great deal about power delegation, Bitwädäd Adanä nominated as chief of war

commander in Gondar province. Here, various corroborative archival sources are existed at Gondar

archival center that proofs the leader of EDU fighters was Bitwädäd Adanä. This was the official

formation of EDU and its turning point for organized struggle against Därg.319

Now, Bitwädäd Adanä took the overall responsibility to overthrow the military rule in Ethiopia. In

such a way, soon after the formation of EDU, Bitwädäd Adanä carried out power delegation with new

title and fighters array against Därg. Accordingly, Anew Wasé becomes Yäshaläqa and fighters

leader in Çelga, Basha Mäaza Azagä become Yäshaläqa and assigned as fighters leader in Wälqait

and Țägädé, Aser Aläqa Zäwdu Alitah become leaders of patriot in Gondar Awraja with the title of

Yäshaläqa.320

The center of Bitwädäd Adanä‘s resistance against Därg was at Marzänäb, which was

also his farming station. There, he organized and equipped fighters that supported from abroad321

and

within the peoples of that region, Wägära. Generally, EDU under the overall command Bitwädäd

Adanä fought the military rule several times in various engagements or battlefields.

317

Fisha Gäbräselasé, ―A History oe Ethiopian Democratic Union /EDU/ in Tigrai, 1975-1991.‖ MA Thesis, Bahir

Dar University, Department of History and Heritage Management, 2017, p. 6.

318 Informants: Hailu, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

319 Liqu, p. 243.

320 Informants: Berlé, Endalkachäw and Dasäw.

321 Fisha, p. 42.

90

4.4.1 The battle of Abdulrafi

Abdulrafi is the area, which is located between Mätäma and Humära that is the nearest border town of

Ethiopia with Sudan.322

The town was strategic for EDU struggle against Därg. Bitwädäd Adanä

designed to control that area by cast away the military government police and agents. In such a way,

on 23, November 1976 he wrote an ultimatum letter to those troops of Därg that stationed at

Abdulrafi that either to surrender or leave out from the camp without resistance. However, those

troops were totally rejected the warning and prepared themselves for fighting with EDU fighters.

Accordingly, on that day after noon the force of Bitwädäd Adanä marched towards Abdulrafi to fight

those troops of Därg. Then, after little resistance, EDU fighters controlled that town which lasted for

three days.323

At that confront, on the side of Därg, three polices and other three collaborators killed on that minor

clash. On the side of Bitwädäd Adanä, the notable fighter‘s leader Yäshaläqa Tafärä Hailé shot down

by Därg police force while other two fighters wounded. Two days later, the fourth Yäshaläqa

command at Humära marched towards Abdulrafi. On 27, November 1976 that military command

force controlled that town without any resistance; because, on that day EDU fighters were at

Marzänäb to attend at burial ceremony of Tamara who died at Abdulrafi confront.324

On that occasion, Därg troops were killed two grandson of Bitwädäd Adanä named Mule Eyasu and

Slash Eyasu under the pretext of suspicion and their collaboration effort with EDU fighters. Now,

Bitwädäd Adanä organized counter attack against Därg troops. Accordingly, on 29, November 1976

EDU fighters headed by Näga Näwatä, Ayänäw Täfära, Asmamaw Mängistu, Dämläw Gätaw, Yirga

Tegabé and some other fortified at a place called Banat which is located between Soroqa and

Humära. The place was strategic passing line to Därg. Therefore, EDU fighters array depended up on

their leaders and awaited Därg movable command army. On 29, November that command force was

322

Masräsha, p. 56.

323 Liqu, p. 248.

324 Informant: Shumyä and Yähualashät.

91

come up with two patrol car. On that instant, EDU fighters were committed a surprise attack over that

army and able to destroy the whole army.325

4.4.2 The Battle of Humära-Shäwaräs

EDU resistance becomes scale up from time to time which accompanied by consecutive victory over

Därg. This also resulted to the spread of ant-Därg resistance in various areas. EDU fighters motivated

by their repeated victory at various confront decided to drive out Därg soldiers and agents in the

region. Accordingly, EDU fighters headed by Yäshaläqa Meaza Azagä in Wälqait and Țägädé

ordered to clear out the area of Humära, Abrajira Abdulrafi and its surrounding from Därg agents.

EDU had great acceptance in the area and benefited from numerical superiority that estimated 8000

troops.326

(See appendix XV) There, EDU scored a consecutive and landmark victory in various minor

and decisive confronts against Därg. Moreover, that victory enhanced EDU struggle in moral,

equipments and economic status.327

Therefore, in August 1976 Yäshaläqa Meaza marched to liberate

Humära. There, after a decisive confront Humära become under the control of EDU fighters. On 12

/5/1977 Humära air port also become under the control of EDU that marked the fall of the

government army in that region. 328

(See appendixXVI)

At this battle, fighters captured numerous weapon and cartridge. However, the leader of this

campaign named Yäshaläqa Mäaza died during confronts. Soon Bitwädäd Adanä nominated

Getachäw Yerga as leader of fighters.329

After this remarkable victory, Bitwädäd Adanä entered to

Sudan to get military assistance and material support from those groups or nations, which had anti-

325

Liqu, p. 249.

326 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30 File No.—Ref. No. 5/1703/69, Qän 9/2/1969 E.C. A letter written from Colonel

Emiru Wändé, Yä Gondar Kefelä Hagär Astädadari, Lä Hagär Astädadär Minester Addis Ababa. For further

information, see appendix XV

327 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30 File No. 5/1124/69, Qän Ter 17/1969 E.C; A letter written from Colonel Emru

Wändé to Colonel Lägäsä Wäldämariam,Addis Ababa; Fantahun Ayale, Ethiopian National Military service from victory

to collapse 1977-1991(North Western University:-2014), p. 105.

328 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No. -- Ref. No. 5/1020/69, Qän 4/5/1969 E.C. A letter written from

Lieutnent Colonel Emiru Wändé, Gondar; Lä Colonel Lägäsä Wäldämariam, Addis Ababa; Bahru, A short, p. 226. For

further information, see appendix XVI.

329 Informant: Aläbachäw and Aynshät.

92

communist ideology in Sudan through their legations. Therefore, he got material and moral support

from USA, North Yemen, Sudan and British.330

After he won diplomatic support and got material support, he returned to Ethiopia with some modern

weapons from Sudan. Därg agents saw the coming of Bitwädäd Adanä from Sudan across Armaçiho.

On 20, September 1977 the government army committed sudden strike over his escort. However, they

defeated by repulsive shot of EDU fighters who escorted Bitwädäd Adanä and continued their march

towards Țägädé. Eventually, he liberated Tägädé and Wälqait after several confronts with

Därg.331

(See appendix XVII) Again while he arrived at Țägädé, Därg agents were reorganized their

strike and confronted him. However, Bitwädäd Adanä encircled Qeraqer on 29 September 1977 and

begun an offensive strike. However, priests tried to resolve the problem by bagging Bitwädäd Adanä

to leave out from Qeraqer. In due course, he rejected their resolution query and liberated Țägädé that

quailed Därg officers.332

4.4.3 The various Engagements in Wägära Awraja

After the liberation of Țägädé, he continued his march towards Dabat and Däbarq. On 7 December

1977, Bitwädäd Adanä arrived at a place called Ajeré and Janora with huge force that is between

Țägädé and Däbarq. There, the whole people agitated to welcome him by prepared local beer and

mead with ox beef. However, Därg officers organized a campaign to preserve the area from

propagation of EDU fighters.333

(See appendix XVIII) Even though Därg took its best to protect that

area, the people totally accepted EDU, which resulted to the occupation of the area under EDU

fighters. After the liberation of Ajeré, Bitwädäd Adanä continued his attempt to control Janora, which

is the next area to Ajeré towards March of Däbarq.

330

Andärgahäw, p. 129; Masräsha, p. 44.

331 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No--Qän Tahsace 25/1969 E.C. A letter written from Colonel Lääsä Eshäté,

Yä Bägé-meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria wana Azaẑi, Lä Keflä Hagvru wana Astädadari, Gondar; Liqu, p.

250. for furthu information, see appendix XVII

332 Informants: Aläbachäw, Dasäw, Hailu, Seläsh, and Shumyä.

333 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No— Qän Ŝer 21/1969 E.C A letter wrote from Colonel Lägäsä Eshäté, Yä

Bägé-meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria wana Azaẑi, Lä lieutnent Emiru Wändé; Gondar, Lä 21ኛው

Birged

Azaẑi, Lä Keflä Hagäru Tänqanaqi Yä Därg Buden; Gondar. , Lä police Särawit Ŝäqelay Mämria, Addis Ababa. Lä

Wägära Awraja police Azaẑi, Dabat.

93

On 26, November 1977 Därg troops fortified at the ditches of Janora that tended to shoot down

Bitwädäd Adanä and dispersed EDU fighters. This confronts, resulted to the death of ten Därg

soldiers while Täzära Berlé and Maru Gbrä-wahed died on the side of EDU fighters.334

There up on

Abuhay Bitäw, the son of former banda leader Abetäw Minyewab resisted the occupation of

Bitwädäd Adanä over Janora and its surrounding. Though he had repeated warning from Bitwädäd

Adanä to stop his challenge, he continued his resistance and even he wanted to confront with EDU

fighters. Finally, on 30, November 1977 Bitwädäd Adanä marched towards the center of Abuhay and

on that day, he surrendered after little resistance.335

The occupation of Janora by Bitwädäd Adanä further worried the then General Governor of Gondar

province. Therefore, in order to chase the spread of EDU Därg high rank politicians gathered the

whole people and discussed about the strong hold of EDU, which exerted considerable influence over

Därg. The discussion approved that the necessity of recruit local militia that would back up the

regular army.336

Accordingly, Därg mobilized thousands of combined army and stationed at a place called Janora-

Qänƫa. Bitwädäd Adanä also mobilized his army under Yäshaläqa Yähualashät Märso, Yäshaläqa

Angaw Tilahun Fitawrari Addisu Mäkonnen and Yäshaläqa Bayäh Ayaléw. Therefore, on five, May

1977 this EDU force encircled Därg army at Janora-Qänƫa. There, after a decisive confront, Därg

army was totally destroyed unexpectedly. At this battle, on the side of Därg, a hundred troops killed

while thousands captured and become war prisoner. On the side of Bitwädäd Adanä, Täshomä Fänta,

Mänbäru Nägash, Mamuyä Denqu, Qés Yetbaräk, Muçä Yilma, Märsha Fäläqä and others who not

identified lost their lives. In addition to this, numerous fighters wounded at the war.337

(See appendix

XIX)

334

Informants: Ašbha Aragaw, Gäbäyä, Yähualashät and Zamariam.

335 Ibid.

336 Liqu, p. 252.

337 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No.ቤ.ህ.አ/3/ም/4/704፣ Qän 27/08/1969 E.C. A letter written from

Colonel Lääsä Eshäté; Yä Bägé-meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria wana Azaẑi, Lä Keflä Hagäru wana

Astädadari, Lä Keflä Hagäru Yä Hebrät Ez Mämria, Gondar.

94

However, the victory was landmark for EDU fighters because they captured numerous military

equipments from Därg army.338

EDU military struggle that mobilized in to three directions scored a

remarkable victory with in its respective areas. Their struggle in Gondar Awraja that headed by

Yäshaläqa Zäwdu Aletah freed the whole Armaçiho from Därg occupation and reached at a place

called Robit which is approximately ten kilometers far from Gondar.339

(See appendix XX)

The other struggle of EDU was Çelga Awraja headed by Yäshaläqa Atanaw Wassé also freed Quara,

Mätäma and much of Çelga warada which supported by proponent former patriots leader in Çilga

named Fitawrari Ayälä Täsäma. Ayälä was the brave patriot who was leader of patriots in that area

during the struggle against Italian occupation. Like Bitwädäd Adanä, he had some sort of resentment

over military rule and joined with the opposing group, EDU that attributed a lot in the struggle

against Därg.340

338

Informants: Endalkachäw and Berlé.

339 NGAOA ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.—Ref.No. አ/2/36/71. Qän 6/12/1975 E.C A letter written from Sälämon Mulunäh,

Meketel Astädadari, Ejig Bätam Käfetäña Mister, Lä Gondar Awraja Astädadär Śefät Bét, Gondar.

340 Fantahun Alemu, p. 28.

95

Figure 4: Major resistance area of EDU against Därg that headed by Bitwädäd Adanä

Mäkonnen (source adopted from Masräsha)

Wägära Awraja was the other resistance area that covered the lion share resistance period and area

that headed by Bitwädäd Adanä himself with his famous commanders. As we have stated, this front

was liberated Wälqait, Țägädé, Humära, Qolla Wägära /Zarima, Deb Bahir, Limalimo, Dagusit and

Jerwäsän/, Janora, Qänƫa, Ajeré and its surrounding areas. In fact, different regulation of the

government service in this area blocked by EDU. For instance, Ethiopian Air Lines flying and State

Bank of Ethiopia, Humära branch had been disrupted.341

(See appendix XXI) Bitwädäd Adanä

341

NGAOA Folder No.ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No--ኢ/አ/መ/9/63/3/69 Qän Ŝer 10/1969 E.C, A letter written from Ethiopian

Air Line Lä Bägé-meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Astädadär Śefät Bét; NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref.

96

continued his struggle to Semén Awraja and able to controlled Däbarq town that lasted for two day.

However, Därg officers saw the difficulty of EDU that forced them to reorganize their army. Soon,

Därg reoccupied Däbarq without any resistance from EDU because by the time, much of EDU

fighters were marched towards Dabat for the sake of another control.

In spite of Därg reoccupation of Däbarq, the center of Wägära Awraja, Dabat becomes under the

control of EDU fighters for the second times on 17, February 1977.342

(See appendix XXII) On the

next day, that was February 18, 1977 EDU force again controlled Amba-Giyorgis town, the center of

Wägära Wäräda.343

The consecutive and remarkable victory of EDU in various confronts further

worried Därg officers that resulted to big military preparation and arrangement. Therefore, Därg

mobilized his territorial army that stationed at Ogaden and the Red sea territory that watch internal

and external challenges. In such a way, Därg established one military unit called Näbälbal. This

military regiment stiffened its military power in Gondar and Däbarq that stands from Axum and Shire

to reoccupy Gondar- Däbarq line. It tended to weakened EDU resistance in the region. In spite of the

Gondar-Däbarq line blocked by Bitwädäd Adanä at Dabat, this force landed at Däbarq using aircrafts

that scored consecutive victory under 205th

Näbälbal regiment.344

(See appendix XXIII)

Finally, Bitwädäd Adanä saw the mechanized army of Därg and he ordered EDU fighters to retreat

systematically. Even numerically this force was huge that able to master the region.345

Therefore, this

force controlled Dabat without any resistance because EDU fighters were leave out from Dabat in

order to fortified a strategic area that not exposed to mechanized strike of Därg. Now the government

army controlled Dabat and looted the house of Bitwädäd Adanä. (See appendix XXIV) Meanwhile,

EDU fighters headed by Zämätä Bäyäna fortified at River Konoye near Amba-Giyorgis. There, while

5/955//69, Qän 3/5/1969 E.C A letter written from kä Keflä Hagäru Astädadär Śefät Bét, Shaläqa Bäräta Gämoraw,

Meketel wana Astädadari, Gondar, Lä Gondar Negde Bank,Gondar.

342

NGAOA Folder Noወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No. 5/133/69, Qän Yäkatit 9/1969 E.C, A letter written from

Lieutenant Colonel Emiru Wändé, Yä Keflä Hagvru wana Astädadari, Gondar; Lä Colonel Lägäsä Wäldämariam, Addis

Ababa.

343

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.--Qän 10/6/1969 E.C. A letter written from kä Keflä Hagäru Astädadär

Śefät Bét, Shaläqa Bäräta Gämoraw, Meketel wana Astädadari, Gondar, Lä Agär Astädadär Minester, Addis Ababa.

344 NGAOA Folder No, ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No. 5/1929/69, Qän 9/9/1969 E.C. A letter written from Colonel

Emiru Wändé, Lä 205th

Yä Näbälbal Ŝor Azaẑi, Gondar; Informants: Dasäw, Habtamu, Seläsh and Zämriam.

345 Gẽtachäw, p. 17; Masräsha p. 76.

97

the force moved towards Amba-Giyorgis Bitwädäd Adanä committed a sudden strike over that

mechanized army. However, that confront was sever on both sides and Därg force able to cast away

EDU fighters and continued its march towards Amba-Giyorgis.

Bitwädäd Adanä consolidated his army for direct confront with Gäset Tor. Accordingly, on 11 May

1977 EDU fought with Gäset Tor at Amba-Giyorgies town and Wärqädämo Qäbällé. At this battle,

EDU fighters suffered a lot that resulted to lose the battle and forced to retreat.346

(See appendix XXV)

Meanwhile, Bitwädäd Adanä persuaded to shift his struggle towards Gondar province that he took the

main vehicle line of Gondar-Humära. Gäset Tor encouraged by its victory at Wärqädämo, continued

its offensive attack and beat off EDU fighters with mechanized campaign that accompanied by aerial

attack. There up on EDU fighters changed their strategy from direct confrontation to hit and run

tactics because, Därg ground army had well equipped by modern weapons that able to shot down

from distance.347

On 28, June 1977 Bitwädäd Adanä stationed at Sanja Qäbällé, committed a sudden strike over Gäset

Tor, and killed many soldiers. Then after, he retreated towards Ashäré. Again, on July 01, 1977 EDU

fighter fortified at Shämbäqo and Tirkan attack against Därg, which resulted to the death of many

troops on the side of Därg but no one on the side of EDU fighters.348

However, Gäset Tor resisted the unexpected strike of EDU and entered Humära in the end of

July1977. There up on, Bitwädäd Adanä and Ras Mängäsha Seyum realized that they could not

withstand the well-organized campaign of Därg. Therefore, he fled to Sudan in order to reconsolidate

his power and partly to find supplementary military equipments.349

(See appendix XXVI) In the

summer 1977, Bitwädäd Adanä consolidated his power in Sudan. There, he opened a military training

346

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/105 File No.1186/12/68, Qän 1/10/1969 E.C. A report that written from Tadäsä Koricho,

Yä Bägé-meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria wana Azaẑi, Lä Keflä Hagäru wana Astädadari, Lä Keflä Hagäru

Yä Hebrät Ez Mämria, Gondar.

347 Informants: Aläbachäw, Berlé and Shumyä.

348 Liqu, p. 265.

349 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.-- Ref. No 418/9/733, Qän Genbot 10/1969 E.C, A letter written from

Yä Bägé-meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria wana Azaẑi, Lä Keflä Hagäru wana Astädadär Śefät Bét, Gondar.

For further information, see appendix XXVI that shows the fleed of Bitwädad Adanä and Ras Mängäsha Syum towards

Sudan.

98

center in Sudan particularly at a place called Sufawa to train and recruit permanent and salaried army.

Partly, it tended to accommodate EDU fighters, those engaged to agriculture and to made

professional army.350

However, this training center was challenged by EPRP representatives those who secretly entered to

the center. There, they equipped on the behalf of EDU fighter but they served as EPRP intelligence

that exposed EDU military operation and secrets. However, Bitwädäd Adanä was able to produce

many professional armies and equipped them with some moderate rifles from Sudan. Those trained

soldiers diffused to Ethiopia and dispatched in to different Wärädas and Awraja to precede their

struggle that terminated by Gäset Tor.351

By September 1977, Bitwädäd Adanä himself entered to

Ethiopia through Armaçiho with much military equipments accompanied by his escorts.352

Even he

donated some financial aid for those who devote their time for struggle and EDU Yäshaläqas to back

up their consumption. On late September 1977, Bitwädäd Adanä was departure towards his

birthplace, Țägädé across Armaçiho desert. While he arrived at Qeraqer, military rule agents fought

him but they were easily defeated by EDU fighters and deported.

On 18, January 1978 Därg officers organized a campaign to dislodge Bitwädäd Adanä and met at a

place called Dämbäqa. At that confront EDU fighters repulsed the strike. There no one won the battle

but on the side of Därg, ten troops killed while many others wounded. On the side of EDU, one of the

proponent fighter‘s leaders named Amarä Getachäw and others passed away. Two days later that was

on January 20, 1978 the upset Därg soldiers burnt the house of Bitwädäd Adanä at Qeraqer.

However, Bitwädäd Adanä departure towards Janora with his army that was comfortable area for

resistance because of the existence of numerous ditches, gorges and mountains.353

The entrance of

Bitwädäd Adanä in to Janora highly dreaded Därg. There up on Därg prepared a campaign to ambush

EDU fighters in Janora and Qänƫa. Accordingly, on February 1978 Därg sent huge artillery and

confronted with EDU fighters at a place called Medermar in Janora. At this battle, the government

350

Fisha, p. 15.

351 Informants: Dasäw, Gäbäyä, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

352 Liqu, p. 267.

353 Informants: Ayneshät, Mulugéta and Yähualashät.

99

army was defeated and retreated with burning civilian house. In early January 1979 onwards, there

had been several minor clashes between Därg and EDU in Wägära Awraja that the EDU vanquished

much confronts.354

As we have stated earlier, EDU resistance was increasable in Wägära, Gondar and Çelga Awraja.

Därg also gave repulsive reaction against EDU movement in the above Awrajas. In order to chase

EDU struggle in Wägära and Semén Awraja, that threatened by EDU occupation which stands From

Däbarq up to Wäläqa organized an artillery unit called Näbälbal that able to withstand any resistance

in the region which accompanied by local militia.

On the other hand, to cast away EDU resistance in Gondar Awraja along Armaçiho-Humära road,

Gäset artillery array that joined with Näbälal artillery force which comes from Axum by clearing the

Däbarq-Gondar way and able to ambushed EDU fighters in that region. This operation stiffened by

another military unit of the government, called Mänter that enhanced the operation. After a long term,

protracted and consecutive confront which stands from Gend-Mätayä, the area which far ten

kilometers from Gondar city up to Humära, EDU force lost those confronts and crossed to

Sudan.355

(See appendix XXVII)

The government also recruited a strong and well-experienced soldier with in Gondar province, which

comprises seven Awraja. This artillery force named Däms and assigned to eliminate EDU in Çelga

Awraja. Däms artillery force supported by air force vanquished EDU force in the Western direction

of Gondar along Çelga- Mätäma line that able to beat off them up to Gädarif.356

4.5 The Decline of EDU and the Final years of Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen

The political group, EDU made stiff resistance against the military government throughout late

1960‘sup to 1980‘s. Specially, in North Western regions of Ethiopia carried out under the overall

354

Masräsha, p. 85.

355 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30 –File No,-- Ref. No. 173/5/726, Genbot 10/69 E.C A letter written from colonel

Lägäsä Esheté Yä Bägemeder Ena Semén Keflä Hagär police Mämeria Lä keflä Hagäru Astädadär Śefät Bét, Gondar.

356 Masräsha, p. 85; Getachäw Gädamu, Yä Gäset Tor Del Ena Fätänawächu(Victory and difficulties of Gäseŝ

Artillery) (Addis Ababa NP 2005), p. 19.

100

command of Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen.357

He was a brilliant and brave in military tactic that got

much experience during the five year anti-fascist resistance who fought Italians 56 times throughout

the resistance period. In fact, he scored incredible and tremendous victory over each battlefield.358

Unlike his victory over Italians, he faced a big challenge from the military rule. Though he won

remarkable victory in his resistance against Därg, its final was fruitless because of the internal and

external challenges. Since Bitwädäd Adanä was the allover EDU commander in North Western

region of Ethiopia particularly in respective of the three Awrajas named Gondar, Wägära and Çelga,

the military government made a surprise counter and offensive attack that targeted to vanquish EDU.

Beyond this, the other opposition groups, TPLF, EPLF and EPRP hated the objectives of EDU and

exposed them to government attack 359

The EDU movement highly dreaded Därg and the government made huge campaign that tended to

eliminate EDU. Beyond local militia and regular army, Därg adjust a specialized artillery force such

as Mänter, Näbälbäl, Gäset and Däms that primarily to suppress the opposition groups.360

Initially, EDU scored tremendous victory and able to controlled some strategic areas and towns using

various mechanisms that able to dislodge Därg from Däbarq up to Kosoyä.361

(See appendix XXVIII)

EDU force used various mechanisms and propagandas that designed by Bitwädäd Adanä. For

instance, among such scheme distributing pamphlets and brochures to the people that discarded the

communist reforms of the government, which exerted certainty of influence over the ruling

government.362

(See appendix XXVIII) Beyond the actual fighting and propaganda war, EDU fighters

challenged the government by disrupting the regulation of provisions and supplies. For example, in

1969 EDU come to its peak of struggle and wanted to control the areas in Bägé-Meder by ruined

357

Ms A short manuscript that describes about the principles and aims of EDU, which possessed by one of EDU

commander; Yähualashät Märso. P. 2.

358 Shumyä, p. 3.

359 Informants: Habtamu, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

360 Masräsha p. 83.

361 NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.--Ref. No. 13/69, Qän 27/8/69 E.C A brochure of EDU; Kä Aläqa Jägné

Yä Ithyopia Democratic Hebrät. That brouchure tried to convince the people to continue their struggle against Därg.

362 Ibid.

101

various bridges and roads from Gondar to Däbrä-Tabor, south of Gondar city.363

(See appendix XXIX)

However, internally, they lost their popularity because of unlawful looting of peasants and civilian

property for the consumption of EDU soldiers. More importantly, 1983 EDU faced a big challenge

internally. That was the difference of ideology within the movement.

Though EDU leaders in Khartoum had a common stand against Därg, they divided in to two over the

question of the will be government. The chairperson of EDU Ras Mängäsha Seyum sought to form

something like republican government, which had some sort of adherence with EPRP programs. The

vice chairperson of EDU that represented Gondar province, General NägaTägäñe and Bitwädäd

Adanä wanted to reinstate the monarchical administration.364

In that year, Bitwädäd Adanä informed

about the dilemma of EDU and arrived at Khartoum to solve the problem.

Accordingly, he selected Fitawrari Ayälä Täsäma, Fitawrari Abrha Mäshäsha, Aläqa Wale Tadäsä

and Ras Emiru Wändé as arbitrator and mediator to resolve the case. However, the case was very

critical and both sides had firm stand over the form of government. There up on, on the moment of

the conference the portrait of Leul Ras Asfawäsän Haylä-Selassé distributed in Khartoum. Instantly,

Ras Mängäsha Seyum highly resented while General NägaTägäñe and Bitwädäd Adanä pleasured

hoping to the consolidation of their ideology.365

Meanwhile, Ras Seyum Mängäsha arranged another conference that tended to reach consensus

among them. The meeting was at Khartoum, in the house of Ras Mängäsha. General Näga and

Bitwädäd Adanä resented over the place of the meeting but they gave priority to national issue and

attended on the conference. However, in the conference, EPLF and EPRP agents also admitted that

highly upset Bitwädäd Adanä in his meeting with the secessionist groups.366

There up on, he

disrupted the conference that he could never discuss with communist and separatist who had inverse

objectives with EDU. Meanwhile, Bitwädäd Adanä sought to establish a new EDU that could precede

363

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.--Qän 26/8/1969 E.C; Misŝi; Mastawäqia, Selä wänbädéwäch

Enqeseqasé.( A letter that written from provincial Administration that announced the movement of opposition groups.)

364 Keller, p. 210; Masräsha, p. 104.

365 Liqu, p. 277.

366Paul B. Henze, Ethiopia in Mengstus’s final Years: The Därg in Decline Vol.I (Addis Ababa: Shama books,

2007), p. 21.

102

the former agenda of EDU through gathering honest and supporters of his idea in Sudan and coastline

of the border.367

Therefore, on 16, September 1983 Bitwädäd Adanä inaugurated a new movement called EDU

Tähadso/reformed EDU/ that comprises 21committee and 45 Shängo that have to run the new EDU.

Then after, Bitwädäd Adanä becomes director of EDU Tähadso. He denounces the power of Ras

Mängäsha when it reformed political position.368

Ras Mängäsha had some sort of ideological

adherence with EPRP and ELF. However, Bitwädäd Adanä strongly hates that convention because of

their prime target of each political group. Hence, the new EDU condemned Ras Seyum Mängäsha

and General Iyasu Mängäsha as who failed to activate EDU fighters to supply firearms that obtained

in the form of booty from Därg and the already obtained military equipments from foreign aid. The

EDU Tähadso was in favor of reinstating the monarchical government and attempted to get support

from Leul Ras Asfawäsän. Nevertheless, it was not effective as much as expected and the new EDU

becomes not enough strong as EDU.369

The new EDU 21 committee assembly headed by Bitwädäd Adanä was responsible for political

propagation, armament organization and maintenance of peace among fighters. Besides, to this,

securing economic development, improve social life and working based on Seven-branch working

groups were its responsibility.370

Accordingly, to get the support of Leul Ras Asfawäsän, Bitwädäd

Adanä wrote a letter to London that noted as follows:

―እኛ በሱዳን ሃገር የምንገኝ 1ኛ. የጎንደር፡ 2ኛ. የትግራይ፡ 3ኛ. የወሎ፡ 4ኛ. የጎጃም ክፍለ ሃገር ተወላጆች ኢ.ዲ.ህ በተሀድሶ

በማለት ትግል ለማካሄድ ተደራጅተን ክቡር ቢትወደድ አዳነ መኮናንን መሪ አድረገን ተነስተን ሳለ የልዑል ጌታችንን

በህይወት መኖርና ህዝቡን ለትግል እንዲነሳሳ ያስተላለፉትን ፁሁፍ በማየታችን ደስታችን ከልክበላይ ሆኗል፡ይህን

ላደረገልን አምላክ ምስጋና ይድረሰውና እንዲህ ከሆነ አስተባባሪ እንዲሆነን መመሪያ ትዕዛዞን ያስታውቁን ዘንድ

የምንጠባበቅ መሆኑን ከፍባለትህትና እንገልጻለን፡፡‖

367

Informants: Aynshät, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

368 EDU Personal letter, qän7/5/75 E.C A letter wrote from EDU Tähadso to Tagay Wälẽ Tadäsä kalubät.p1.

369 Masräsha, p. 88; Liqu, p. 280.

370 EDU Personal Reports; Qän 10/5/75. Yä EDU Wäsańe Yä Sera kefefel program. P.1.

103

We the fighter from Sudan that included Bägé-Meder and Semén, Wallo and Gojjam natives stand for struggle

under EDU Tähadso under the leadership of Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen; informed about the alive of Leul Ras

Asfawäsän and we feel great pleasure when we received your message to encourage EDU fighters against

Därg. We also praised to God to do this, we need your instruction to facilitate the struggle, and we are

awaiting your directives for the struggle371

The letter sent to Asfawäsän by the hands of Däjjazmach Berhanä-Mäsqäl who later returned with a

letter that had less significance to fighters because of the passive response of Asfawäsän to fighters

query. Due to this reason, Bitwädäd Adanä resented and he stands to enter towards Țägädé. In due

course, the people of Armaçiho and Țägädé had been suppressing much by EPRP unlawful and

exploitative reactionary rule. Hence, the people call Bitwädäd Adanä for resolution with EPRP

suppression.372

371

Masräsha, p. 90, Liqu, p. 288.

372 Liqu, 289; Informants: Aläbachäw, Endalkachäw and Yähualashät.

104

Figure 5: from left to right, General NägaTägäñe, Bitwädäd Adanä and Däjjazmach Berhanä-

Mäsqäl Dästa 1983, Khartoum (adopted from Liqu Ejigu)

On the other hand, he wanted to reorganize those peoples for struggle against Därg. During his stand

Däjjazmach Berhanä-Mäsqäl Dästa, who was from Wallo and refuges in Sudan strongly advised that

not to go to Ethiopia because of the absence of security in the crossing coastline that TPLF, EPRP

and even the government force hunting each other for strikes. The existence of EPRP in Armaçiho

and Țägädé was very Much danger to Bitwädäd Adanä373

because, he violated the conference in

Sudan that arranged by Ras Mängäsha to create a united front against Därg. Therefore, EPRP agents

realized that Bitwädäd Adanä might exert difficulty on their struggle. So on the one or another hand;

they wanted to cast off Bitwädäd Adanä on the line of their struggle.374

373

Informants: Aynshät, Shumyä and Zämariam.

374 Liqu, p. 288.

105

While Bitwädäd Adanä stand to return Ethiopia, Sudanese vice president advised him as he was old

enough and to live in Sudan with salary and living house. However, Bitwädäd Adanä refused such

advice and replied as follows:

―እኔ ለሀገሬ እየታገልኩ እሞታለሁ እንጂ፡ ሀገር እየሞተ እኔእዚህ ሁኘ የተንደላቀቀ ኑሮ አልፈልግም‖

―I want to die by proceed my struggle for my country; rather than living luxurious life here while Ethiopia

going to die.‖375

Accordingly, on 23, January 1983 Bitwädäd Adanä begun his march towards Ethiopia with some

escorts. He crossed River Guang from Gädarif and reached at a place called Wadiqura, a closed

coastline farming sight of Ethiopian farmers. On 26, 1983 Bitwädäd Adanä continued his March and

arrived in Armaçiho, çirkeñ Qäbällé particularly at a place called Zämänä-Märiq376

There Bitwädäd

Adanä selected a resting camp and feed their lunch. There up on, two EPRP representatives come up

with automatic gun and requested Bitwädäd Adanä to form an alliance with them. Other three EPRP

agents were again come and joined with Bitwädäd Adanä. On that moment, Bitwädäd Adanä

inspected them critically and allowed them to describe their objective. They explain their objective

that as if they wanted to create a united front against Därg. Bitwädäd Adanä speculated the case

wisely and allowed them to join with them. After lunch and coffee ceremony, Bitwädäd Adanä stands

to continue his march towards Țägädé at 10:00 local time. On that moment, two EPRP agents at the

camp fired on Bitwädäd Adanä and shot down him. Instantly, the escorts of Bitwädäd Adanä also

shot down by the rest EPRP agents. In such a way, Bitwädäd Adanä died there with his seven guards

named Yäshaläqa Yirga Tegabé, Shambäl Abäbä Jänbäré, Ato Aynyä Bäzabh, Ato Yelma Däsé and

other 3 who not identified at Zämänämäriq.377

(See appendix XXX)

375

Masräsha p. 87; Liqu, p. 276.

376 Liqu, p. 288; Masräsha, p. 91.

377 NGAOA Folder No. ወ, File No.-Ref, No. 1277/55/12, Qän 28/5/1975 E.C A letter written from Yä Gondar

Awraja Astädadär Śefät Bet, Lä Keflä Hagäru Astädadär Śefät Bet, Gondar.

106

4.6 Burial ceremony of Bitwädäd Adanä

The death of Bitwädäd Adanä was a deep sorrow to the people of Țägädé and its surrounding. In fact,

Ethiopian refuges in Sudan and EDU fighters who array in different front highly suffered from

sorrow by the regrettable death of Bitwädäd Adanä.378

General Näga Tägäñe and Däjjazmach

Berhänä-Mäsqäl Dästa feel a deep grief and they become disconsolate for many days. They informed

the case to Ras Seyum Mängäsha but, he responded, ―We knew the case earlier‖ and never regretted

on the death of Bitwädäd Adanä. There up on, they suspected Ras Seyum as he might make a

conspiracy to the death of Bitwädäd Adanä.379

The one who survived at Zämänä-Märiq strike named Aduñña Fänta informed about the death of

Bitwädäd Adanä to the people of Armaçiho and Țägädé with fire an automatic machinegun. One day

later, that was on 27, January 1983 the whole people of Țägädé and Armaçiho moved to where

Bitwädäd Adanä died. There, the people with deep sorrow and regression buried Bitwädäd Adanä,

with his escort‘s cadaver based on the requiem-prayer, and praiseworthy that believed to be rest on

the kingdom of God.380

378

Informants: Aläbachäw, Ethiopia, Shumyä and Yähualashät.

379 Liqu, p. 292.


107

Figure 6:Cadaver of Bitwädäd Adanä performed religious requiem-prayer (photo

adopted from Liqu)

After this burial celebration, the people of Țägädé wanted to destroy the whole EPRP agents in

Țägädé and Armaçiho. Accordingly, EDU fighters under the leadership of Wakshum Näwtä and

Zäläqä Jänber strongly fought EPRP at various confronts and able to drove out them from the area.381

Here, the burial celebration of Bitwädäd Adanä was not at his birthplace because of the difficulty of

the government that blamed him as a bandit and suppressed any movements that accompanied large

number of people together. Therefore, his skeleton remained at Zämänä-Märiq for nine years until the

fall of the military rule. On 26, January 1992 Bitwädäd Adanä‘s skeleton remains excavated and

transfered towards his birthplace Qeraqer. There, it rest at Dauçäna Emanuel monastery with

remarkable and lively celebration. On that day, his Taskar and funeral celebration carried out through

sloughing fifty oxen, preparing much enough mead and Tala/ local beer/. On this celebration, the

completely prominent people in Țägädé, Wälqait and Armaçiho admitted including clergies that

estimated to beyond 3000 people.382

381

Liqu, p. 293.

382 Informants: Ethiopia, Shumya,Yähualashät and Zämariam.

108

Figure 7: The Grave of Bitwädäd Adanä and his wife, yäsharäg Eräda(photo by researcher)

On the movement of the celebration, one of Bitwädäd Adanä‘s daughters named Yergädu granted a

praise poem to her father as follows

ትውልዱ ከጎንደር በጠገዴ አዴት፤ He is descendant of Gondar and Adét in Țägädé:

አዳነ አባደፋር የብዙዎች አባት፤Adanä Abba Dafar who the father of many:

የኢትዮጵያ ጀግና ወኔው የላቀ ነው፤ An Ethiopian patriot who impassioned enough:

ፋሽስት ጣሊያንን ዳዴያስኬደ ነው፤ strongly challenged fascist Italy:

አላስችለው በሎ ወገኑ ሲዋረድ፤ He lost his patience while his citizens come to disgraced:

ሲገረፍ ሲሰቃይ እንደ በግ ሲታረድ፤ and slaughtered as like as sheep and flogged:

በፋሽስት ወረራ በዛ በአምስት ዓመት፤ on the moment of fascist occupation of the five year:

አዳነ ታገለ ለኢትዮጵያ ነፃነት፤ Adanä struggled for Ethiopian liberation.

የፍሽስቱን ደርግ ግፉን ተመልክቶ፤ He saw the atrocity of fascist Därg:

109

ሊታገል ተነሳ መሳሪያውን አንግቶ፤ and stand for struggle with sling over his gun.

ወኔው ተቀስቅሶበት በሰማንያ አመቱ፤ His moral fomented at the age of eighty:

እንደልምዱ ገባ ወደአርበኝነቱ፡፡ and he joined to patriotism again because of his experience.

…የሀገሩ ድንበር ላይ ደሙ የፈሰሰው፤ …he sheds his blood at the coastlines of hi country:

አርጅቻለሁ ሳይል ሲጋደል የሞተው፤ he died at struggle without consideration of being old age:

ወገኑን ሀገሩን ነፃለማውጣት ነው፡፡ for the seeke of freed the people and he liberates Ethiopia.

በመልካም ምግባሩ የተመሰገነ፤ He acknowledged on his good deeds:

ቆራጥ አርበኛ ነው ቢትወደድ አዳነ፡፡ Bitgwädäd Adanä is the dogged patriot.

…በአባታችንኮራንእኛምልጆቻቸው፤… we the descendents are proud of Bitwädäd Adanä:

ሲዘከር ይኖራል ዘላለም ስማቸው፡፡ it commemorated his name through eternity.

ባያስብ ነው እንጂ ባይጠረጥራቸው፤ It is he didn‘t suspect and think over them/EPRP agents/:

ከአባ ጥጋብ ጋር እጁን የሰጣቸው፤ that he give up his hand with Aba Ŝegab.

አወይ ክፋታቸው አወይ ብልግናቸው፤ Oh their badness, oh their incivility:

ወይ ሀገር ላይገዙ ጠፋ ፈለጋቸው፡፡ either they govern the country they disappeared soon.383

383

Liqu, pp. 310-314.

110

Conclusion

The birth of Bitwädäd Adanä considered as the rise of sun to Țägädé its surrounding. The death of

Bitwädäd Adanä was again a deep grief‘s for Țägädé, Armaçiho, Wälqait, Humära and Wägära. He

was a brilliant and brave as early as his boyhood period. Before the invasion of Italy, he served as

soldier to Gugsa Walé and D/c Wänd-Wäsän kassa. He was also the governor of Yayera and Adét

Qäbälles until Italy come through Humära.

His epic deed episode in the fife-year resistance against fascist occupation always commemorated

long live. He had a special military tactic and better fighting experience that motivated the people of

Țägädé and its surrounding for resistance against fascist. He becomes a strong patriot‘s leader in

North Western regions of Ethiopia. He fought Italians 56 times between 1936 up to1941. Among

such confronts, surprisingly he won 50 confronts. Soon after the liberation of Ethiopia, he nominated

as war commander of Semen. Later on, in 1946 he nominated as Wägära Awraja governor when

Bägé-Meder province divided in to seven sub province or Awrajas. He run that Awraja effectively for

28 consecutive years until the fall of monarchical governments.

The braveness of Bitwädäd Adanä resulted to the nomination of various political positions and

rewards. He got the first political title of in 1932 from Däjjazmach Wänd-Wäsän Kassa. Meanwhile,

in 1937 he got the title Däjjazmach from Țägädé and the surrounding peoples when Bitwädäd Adanä

liberated Țägädé from fascist occupation. Later on this political title approved by Emperor Haylä-

Selassé in 1946. Bitwädäd Adanä got his last political title, Bitwädäd from the Emperor in 1966.

Bitwädäd Adanä as a governor of Wägära Awraja made considerable political, social and economical

achievements. Since Wägära Awraja was adjoining with State of Sudan, there were several but minor

clash between Sudanese farmers and Ethiopians. However, he settled those crises systematically that

able to maintain the security of the region. He made remarkable economic progress and

improvements of social service. Up on his nomination as Wägära Awraja governor, he inaugurated

numerous health center clinics, primary schools, and mechanized farming in that region. Beyond this,

he made relentless endeavor to reconstruct Gondar-Humära vehicles road. That road was blocked and

destroyed during the fife year resistance. Therefore, Bitwädäd Adanä reopened that road in December

1968. Beyond the above achievements, Bitwädäd Adanä played a significant role to the opening of

111

State Bank of Ethiopia at Humära town that had incredible role to the spread of investment and

commerce in that respected region.

Meanwhile, in 1974 the monarchical governments overthrow by popular revolution, which resulted to

the coming of military government in Ethiopia. The new government becomes unique in its political

and economic ideology. Moreover, the military government carried out a revolution that is more

brutal specially, that suppressed the former government officers as far as execution. Thereupon,

Bitwädäd Adanä strongly opposed the military government and engaged to official resistance against

Därg. To do thus, he becomes one of proponent founder of EDU. After the formation of EDU, he

becomes General war commander specially, in Gondar, Çilga and Wägära Awrajas. During his

resistance, he scored formidable victory over Därg in various confronts. Specially, in 1975 onwards,

EDU resistance become fomented and able to controlled many towns such as Humära, Abdulrafi,

Dabat, Däbarq, Sanja, Amba-Giyorgis, Tekel-Dengay, Mätäma and the like.

However, the expansion of EDU with formidable victory highly dreaded the government. Hence,

Därg organized four artillery battalion named Gäset, Näbälbal, Mäner and Däms that tended to

eliminate EDU resistance. Those mechanized battalions were array in different areas and scored a

landmark victory aginst EDU and EPRP forces. On the contrary, EDU itself disintegrated over

political ideology. Meanwhile, Bitwädäd Adanä formed a new EDU named EDU Tähadso/reformed

EDU/ and continued his struggle. There up on, there was again political ideology difference between

the new EDU and EPRP. Bitwädäd Adanä strongly sought the restoration of monarchical

government. However, the progressive EPRP wanted to the formation of republican government.

Hence, EPRP considered Bitwädäd Adanä as an obstacle to achieve their goal. Accordingly, EPRP

agents made a conspiracy to kill Bitwädäd Adanä. In such a way, on 26 January 1983 EPRP agents

assassinated Bitwädäd Adanä in Armaçiho particularly at a place called Zämänä-Märiq. This marked

the end of 50 years government service episode and 82 years old living.

112

Bibliography

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Books and Journals

Alämayähu Abäbä. Yä Ityopia Tarik: kä mäjämäriaw Eskä Ahunu Zämän.(Ethiopian History from

Ancient to present) Addis Ababa: Z.A Printers, 2009.

Akälä Asayä. Yaltenbäräkäkut (Never give up: EPDM Struggle and victory March). Addis Ababa:

AG.TA Private Ltd.co, 2014.

Andargachew Tiruneh. The Ethiopian Revolution 1974-1987: A Transformation from Aristocratic to

Totalitarian Autocracy. Cambridge: Cambridge University press, 1995.

Aregawi Berhe. Revisiting Resistance in Italian Occupied Ethiopia:The Patriots Movement 1936-

1941 and the Redefinition of Post War Ethiopia. The Netherlands: Beill, 2003.

Bahru Zewde. A History of Modern Ethiopia 2nd ed. Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa University Press,

2002.

---------. A Short History of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa University

Press, 1998.

Barker, A. J. The Civilizing Mission: A History of Italo-Ethiopian War of 1935-1936. New York: The

Dial Press Inc, 1968.

Del Boca Angelo. The Ethiopian War, 1935-41. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1969.

Fantahun Ayele. The Ethiopian army from victory to collapse, 1977-1991. USA: North Western

University press, 2014.

Gäbäyähu Täfäri and Däsaläñ Alämu.Yätädäbäqäw Mastawäsha.( The Hidden Diary) Chibo Light

Book, 2014

113

Gebru Tareke, Ethiopia: power and protest: peasant revolts in the twentieth century. New York:

Cambridge University press, 1995.

Gärima Tafärä. Gondaré Bägashaw. Addis Ababa. Täsfa Selassie Press, 1949 E.C.

Getachäw Gädamu. Yä Gäsƫ Ŝor Del Ena Fätänawächu(Gäseƫ Artillery victory and its difficulty).

Addis Ababa NP, 2005.

Gondar Ancient Patriots Association. ‖Yä Bägé-Meder Ena Yä Semén Arbäñoç Yä Hiwot Tarik‖( The

Biography of Bägé-Meder and Semén Patriots). Gondar, 1981 E.C.

Henze, B. Poul. Ethiopia in Mengstus’s final Years: The Därg in Decline Vol.I .Addis Ababa: Shama

books, 2007.

---------. Layers of Time. London: C. Hurst & Co., 2000.

Hiwot Hidaru. Yachi Qän Täräsach(Does forgeted that Day). Addis Ababa: Berhanéna Sälam

Matämiya Derjet, 1967 E.C.

Keller J. Edmond. Revolutionary Ethiopia: from empire to peoples republic. Bloomington and

Indiana Polis: India University press, 1988.

Korovikov, Valentin. Ethiopia: Years of Revolution. Moscow: Novosti press, Agency Publishers

House, 1979.

Last Geoffrey etal. A History of Ethiopian in Pictures: From Ancient to Modern Times. Addis Ababa:

Arada books press, 2014.

Liqu Ejigu. Yä Kebur Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen Abadäfar Yä Hiwät Tarik 1901-1983. Addis

Ababa: Artistic printing press, 2oo5.

Marcus, G. Harold. A History of Ethiopia. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1994.

----------. ―New trends in Ethiopian Studies‖, Paper of the Twelve International Conference of

Ethiopian Studies, Vol. I, Michigan State University, Red Sea press, 1994, pp.573-574.

114

Pankhurst Richard etal, The Eleventh International conference of Ethiopian Studies. Addis Ababa

University, 1994.

Rifkind, David. Gondar: Architectural and Urbanism for Italy’s Fascist Empire. Florida: Florida

International University Press, 2011.

Sabacchi, Alberto. Ethiopia under Mussolini: Fascism and the Colonial Experience. London: Zed

Books, 1985.

Sänayt Haylé. Jägnenät Biworäs (Bravery be inherit). Addis Ababa, 1996 E.C.

Seltene Seyoum. ―Emperor Haile Selassie I and the Ethiopian Resistance, 1936-1941.‖ Journal of

Ethiopian Studies. Addis Ababa: Institute of Ethiopian Studies, 2000.

Solomon Gétahun. A History of the City of Gondar. Trenton: Africa World Press, 2005.

Steer, George. Caesar in Abyssinia. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1936.

Tadesse Tamrat, Church and State in Ethiopia, 1270-1527. Oxford: Clarendon Press. 1972.

Tädla Zäyohannes. Yä-Ityopia Tarik: Italya Bä Ityopia: Kä-Wal Wal eskä Gondar: Kä Genbot1928

eskä Hedar 1934 (A History of Ethiopia: Italy in Ethiopia: From Walwal to Gondar: From

May 1928 up to December 1934). Addis Ababa: Mankusa Publishing Press, 2004.

Tadässä Zäwäld. Qärin Gärämäw(The Survivals Amazed). Addis Ababa: Berhan Ena Sälam

printinting press, 1960.

Sergaw Hable Selassie. Ancient and Medival History of Ethiopa up to 1270. Haile Selassie

University: United Press, 1971.

Vivó, Valdés Raũl. Ethiopia: the Unknown Revolution. De La Havana : Social Science

publishers,1978.

Yared Germa. Yä Gondär Tarik Kä Ityopia Tarik Anşar ( A History of Gondar; contrasted with

Ethiopian History).Ethiopia: Mc Master University1997.

115

Zäwdé Räta. Yä Qädamawi Haylä-Selassé Mängst (The Government of Haile Selassie I). Boston:

LAXIMI press, 2012.

II. Unpublished Materials

Archival sources

A. Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES).

IES. Ms 2397/01/10,

IES Ms 2393/07/02/9.1

IES. Ms. 1952.

IES. Ms.2397/01/10,

B. National Archival and Library Agency (NALA).

NALA. FN. 62.1 File No. 17.03

C. North Gondar Administration Office Archives

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/19, File No. 192/18, Qän Genbot 27/54 E.C.

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/105, File No. 14/546, qän 25/6/59 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/105, File No. 7532/12, Qän 14/11/1966 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No, 142/17. File No. 1200/441, Qän Tahsace 1/1961 E.C.

NGAOA. Folder No. File No. ወ/111/19/42, qän 19/3/60 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ 299/3/12, File No. 1186/12/68, Qän-1968 E.C.

NGAOA. Folder No. ልዩ ልዩ. File No. 2490/42, 19/3/1949 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No.--File No. 173/726, Genbot 10/69 E.C

116

NGAOA. Folder No-- File No, 6267/6 .July 26, 1962,

NGAOA. Folder No,- File No ወ213/19/42 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No- File No, ወ213/19/42, Qän 14/11/1954 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/19 File No111/42, Qän 25/1/1963 E.C

NGAOA. Folder NO ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No 42/0029/1/12, Qän Hamle,13/1966 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No ጠ/ግ/ልዩልዩ/ File No-, Qän 5/11/1948 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No ጠ/ግ/ልዪ ልዪ/ File No- Qän 9/1/1960 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No, ወ/19 File No,- Qän Tahesace 9/1960 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No, ወ/19 File No, -Qän Genbot 22/1952 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No, ወ/19 File No,- Qän Hedar 12/ 1952 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No- File No, 22/ወ9/29/47, Qän 8/4/1963 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No- File No, ወ213/19/42, April 18, 1963

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No. 51/673/69 Qän 17/7/1969 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30 File No –Ref. No. 5/17/03/69 Qän 9/2/1969E.C


NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No. 18/11/327/69 Qän Tahsace 25/1969 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No- Qän Ŝer 21/1969 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No. ቤ.ህ.አ/3/ም/4/704 Qän 27/08/1969 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No. ኢ/አ/መ/9/63/69 Qän Ŝer 10/1969 E.C

117


NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No. 5/133/69 Qän Yäkatit 9/1969 E.C


NGAOA Folder No.ወ105, File No. 1186/12/68, Qän 1/10/1969 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No. 418/9/733 Qän Genbot 10/1969 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30 –File No,-- Ref. No. 173/5/726 Genbot 10/1969 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—ref. No. 13/69 Qän 27/8/69E.C

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No-Qän, 26/8/1969 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No.ጎክ99/ጠ. File No--Qän 6/12/1975 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No, ወ105, File No-Qän 28/5/1975 E.C

NGAOA. Folder No.ጎክ99/ጠ, File No.- qän 7/5/75 E.C

Thesis, Dissertations, and reports

Aregawi Berhe, ―A Political History of Tigraian People Liberation Front (1975-1991): Revolt

ideology and Mobilization in Ethiopia.‖ PhD Dissertation Amsterdam: Verjee University,

2008.

Dästaw Flaté. ―Environmental History of Humära District in western Tegrai Adminstrative Zone,

1941-1991.‖ MA Thesis, Bahir Dar University, Department of History, 2014.

Fantahun Alemu. ―A Brief Biography of Fitawrari Ayälä Täsäma.‖ BA Thesis, Bahir Dar University,

June 2002.

Fisha Gäbrä-Selasé. ―A History of Ethiopian Democratic Union/EDU/ in Tigrai, 1975-1991.‖ MA

Thesis, Bahir Dar University: Department of History and Heritage Management, 2017.

118

Gezachäw Alämu. ―A historical Survey of taxation in Gojjam(1901-1969).‖ BA thesis, Haile Selassé

I University, May 1971.

Masräsha Aläbachäw. ―Ethiopian Democratic Union /EDU/ Resistance against Därg in North Gondar

1974-1991.‖ MA Thesis, Bahir Dar University Department of History and Heritage

Management, 2016.

Mulugéta Fantahun. ―The patriotic resistance against Italians in Armaciho, 1936-1941.‖ MA Thesis,

Bahir Dar University, Department of History and Heritage Management, 2016.

North Gondar zone Administration Office Head that describes about the Environmental status quo of

its Zone which illustrated in 1997 E.C.

Personal letters of EDU, qän 10/5/75. Yä EDU Wäsañe Yä Sera kefefel program. P.1.

Shumyä Wäldä-Selassẽ ―The Patriots of Ŝägädé, 1936-1941‖ BA Thesis, Department of History,

Addis Ababa University, 1985

Țägädé district Administration office that illustrated the nature of environmental and ecological data

about the District and its surroundings, which presented in the form of manuscripts in 2001

E.C.

The unpublished document that describes Genealogical line of kingships and descents of the study

area people that copied from Däbrä-Berhan Selassẽ Church Vellum Book, which possessed by

Qés Getachäw.

Temesgen Gebeyehu.‖The History of the 1968/69 Peasant Uprising in Eastern Gojjam.‖ BA Thesis.

Bahir Dar University, June 2001.

119

List of Informants

N

o

Name S

e

x

Ag

e

Date of

intervie

w

Place

of

intervie

w

Remark

1 Aläbachäw

Birara (Ato)

M 95 14/07/10 Gondar He was one of the patriots during

the Italian occupation. He

isKnowledgeable person who can

recall the major episodes of the

resistance movement

2 Asäfa

Tädla (Ato)

M 86 7/06/10 Dabat He was Därg soldier that fought

several battles in WäNGAOAra

Awraja with enough knowledge of

narrate the war history between

EDU and Därg.

3 Aslakä

Ejigu (Ato)

M 78 7/06/10 Dabat He was EDU soldier and capable to

remember the actual war history.

4 Aśbha

AraNGAOA

w (Ato)

M 93 27/05/10 Humära He is a notable guy live at Humära

town and close relatives of

Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen. He

can narrate the history of the area

with better historical knowledge.

120

5 Aynshät

Zäwdé

(Lieutenant

)

M 75 6/07/10 Sanja He was EDU commander with

enough knowledge about the

history of the area.

6 Bantihun

Märsha

M 81 7/07/10 Janora He was EDU commander and

participated at the battle of Janora

and Ajeré that held between Därg

and EDU.

7 Bärjaläw

Mälkamu

(Ato)

M 92 7/07/10 Janora He was one of patriot during Italian

occupation. He served as honest

intelligence to patriots

8 Birlé

Birhan

(Ato)

M 90 03/07/10 Yayra He was one of the victims of yayra

massacre who lost his brother at the

masacre.

9 Dasäw

Guday

(Ato)

M 94 06/06/08 Sanja He has the talent to narrate not only

the history of the Italian occupation

but also the history of Armaçeho

from the earliest times. He served

as a patriot during the occupation

period.

10 Dässé

Molla (Ato)

M 88 10/07/10 Tekelde

ngay

He was patriot and had special

talent in describing ancestral

origins.

121

11 Dolcha

Berhané

M 87 03/07/10 Amära He was patriot during fascist

invasion and close relatives to

Bitwädäd Adanä who can address

and inform everything about the

deeds of Bitwädäd Adanä.

12 Endalkachä

w Berhanu

(Ato)

M 78 12/07/1o Sanja He was EDU commander and

enough knowledge to narrate the

history of the area.

13 Ethiopia

Adanä(Wäy

zäro)

F 80 14/07/10 Gondar She is the daughter of Bitwädäd

Adanä and capable to narrate the

epic deeds of her father.

14 Gäbäyä

Laqäw

M 87 27/05/10 Humära He is one of EDU commander that

destroyed Humära Air port.

15 Gétachäw

Garäd

(Priest)

M 92 03/07/10 Yayra He was one of secretary and adviser

to Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen. He

is also an expert that he explains

Tägädé descendents.

16 Gezachäw

Adanä

(Ato)

M 49 14/07/10 Gondar He is the one among Son‘s of

Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonan

17 Habtamu

Säräqä-

M 80 15/07/10 Gondar He is son of patriot and now one of

122

Berhan

(Ato)

Gondar Patriot association leader.

18 Haylu

Näwätä

(Ato)

M 91 05/07/10 Sanja He was a patriot who had been

takes part many confronts against

fascist with Bitwodäd Adanä

Mäkonan

19 Kassa

Gäbrämaria

m (Ato)

M 92 04/07/10 Bärburs

äg

He was patriot during the fife-year

anti-fascist resistance who fought

several times under Bitwädäd

Adanä Mäkonnen.

20 Mulugéta

Abuhay

( Ato)

M 80 14/07/10 Gondar He is Knowledgeable person about

the history of the resistance

movement. He serves as a head of

the Ancient Heroes and Patriot

Association of North Gondar

21 Läwté

Adäladlay

(Ato)

M 83 06/06/08 Sanja He is the son of a patriot. He has a

good Knowledge about the patriotic

resistance against the Italians in

Armaçeho. Now he is a member of

Tach-Armaçeho Wӓrӓda Patriot

Association.

22 Käsätä

Malädä

(Ato)

M 84 04/07/10 Musie

Bamb

He is the son of a patriot. He

remembers the massacre of Yayra,

Janifänqära and Märäba.

123

23 Shumyä

Wäldä-

Selassé

(At0)

M 82 15/07/10 Gondar He was EDU soldier, historian and

the Grandson of Bitwädäd Adanä.

He also wrote a BA thesis entitled

―the Țägädé Patriot‖.

24 Seläsh

Dämeläw

(Ato)

M 78 13/07/10 Gondar He is son of patriot and head of

North Gondar Patriots Association.

25 Yähualashät

Märso

(Shaläqa)

M 85 05/07/10 Sanja He was EDU commander and close

relatives of Bitwädäd Adanä. He

has a special talent in telling

history.

26 Zämaryam

Gäbrähiwot

(Ato)

M 75 06/06/08 Sanja He was born from the patriot‘s of

Tägädé. He along with Läwté is

trying to reconstruct the history of

Tägädé.

124

Glossary of Terms

Abba – a learned priest, religious father.

Abun – Bishop, patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox.

Aläqa_ Boss

Askaris- the hired colonial soldiers.

Ato— a title given to ordinary people, equivalent to master.

Awraja – an administrative unit below the level of province.

Azaž---- Commander.

Balambaras – Guardian of a Frontier or Ruler of a Fort.

Banda – Ethiopians who collaborated with the Italians during resistance.

Basha – a low level military title for war leaders.

Bitwädäd – Beloved, trustee of the emperor.

Çiqashum- Governors of Sub district.

Däfar _ Fearless man

Däjjazmach – Duke or Commander of the Front.

Dimofter- A type of rifles

Endärasé- Governor of Province

Fitawrari – Commander of the Advance Guard.

Grazmach – Commander of the Left Wing.

125

Hebrät- Cooperation.

Janhoy_ Nike name to Emperor Haile Sleazes

Kä- Amharic sound, equivalent with English sound ―from‖.

Lä- Amharic sound, equivalent with English sound ―to‖

Leul – a title given to royal family.

Lej – Young nobleman.

Martine- A type of gun.

Militia- local army.

Negus- King.

Oriet- the law of old Testament Christian writings of regulations.

Qäbällé- An administrative unit below district.

Qäñazmach – Commander of the Right Wing.

Qés- Priest.

Ras – Chief of a region, below the emperor, head of regional army.

Śahfä Tezaz- Ministry of pen.

Śefät Bét- office.

Shängo- local court.

Tähadso- Reformation.

Ŝäqel- Horse name of Emperor Haylä-Selassé.

126

Ŝäqelay-Gezat- Provincial Adminstration.

Ŝequr-EnÇät- Black tree.

Wänd-Awek- the war horse of Bitwädäd Adanä.

Wäräda – district.

Wäyzäro – Title for woman, Lady.

Yä- Amharic sound used to represent possessions.

Yäshaläqa—commander of one thousand army.

i

Appendicies

Appendix-I

NGAOA Folder No-ኢትዮ-ሱዳን ድንበር(Ethio-Sudan Border). File No.-Ref. No.35/542/57, Qä, Ŝer

8/60 E.C. A letter written from Fitawrari Bäqälä Zäläläw, Yä Bägé-Meder Ena Semén Gezat Rädat

Endärasé, Gondar; Lä Täkäbäru Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen, Yä Wägära Awraja Gäẑi, Dabat. ( a

letter that stated about the capture of 50 Sudanese with in Ethiopian territory under the pretext of

finding their lost cattle)

ii

Appendix-II

NGAOA Folder No-ኢትዮ-ሱዳን ድንበር(Ethio-Sudan Border), File No.--Ref. No.35/876/57, Qän,

Genbot 27/1957 E.C. A letter written from Lieutnent Tamrat Yigäzu Yä Bägé-Meder Ena Semén

Gezat Endärasé, Gondar; Lä Täkäbäru Däjjazmach Adanä Mäkonnen, Yä Wägära Awraja Gäẑi; Lä

Fitawrari Täsfayä Asnaqä, Yä Gondar Awraja Gäẑi; Lä Fitawrari Färädä Ŝerunäh, Yä Çelga

Awraja Gäẑi, Bäyalubät. This letter describes about the exiled Ethiopians in Sudan and their fate

iii

Appendix III

NGAOA Folder No-ኢትዮ-ሱዳን ድንበር(Ethio-Sudan Border). File No.-Ref. No.75/250/57, Qän,

Hedar 3/1960 E.C. Bertu Misŝer(urgent secret)A letter written from Däjjazmach Keflé Ergäté

Minstery of Governance Lä Lieutnent Tamrat Yigäzu Yä Bägé-Meder Ena Semén Gezat Endärasé,

Gondar. The letter describes to verify the problems that Sudanese state police occupaied Ethiopian

territory that had governed by Bitwädad Adanä Mäkonnen.

iv

Appendix- IV

NGAOA Folder No፣ ጠ/ግ/ልዩልዩ File No-,A letter of invitation from Haile selassie to Lä

Täkäbäru Däjjazmač Adanä, Thursday 5, 1948 E.C.

A letter of invitation from Haylä-Selassé to Däjjazmach Adanä Mäkonnen 1948 E.C

v

Appendix-V

NGAOA Folder No- ጠ/ግ/ልዪ ልዪ/ File No- A letter of good wish of Happy New Year from Hailä-

Selassé to Lä Täkäbäru Däjjazmač Adanä, 1964 E.C.

A letter of Good wish for New Year of 1964 From Haylä Selassé to Däjjazmach Adanä Mäkonnen

vi

Appendix-VI

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/19 File No,-- Ref. No. 8/1723//976/9, Qän Tahesace 9/1960 E.C, A letter

written from Berhanu Engdashät, yä Ŝäqelay Gezatu Temert Betoč Śefät Bét shum Lä; Täkäbäru

Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonän Yä Wägära Awraja Gäzi, Dabat.

A letter that describes about the expansion of Education and Tourism in Dabat town.

vii

Appendix-VII

NGAOA. Folder No, ወ/19 File No, -- Ref. No. 14594/26/52 Qän Genbot 22/1952 E.C. A letter

written from Qäñazmač Bäqälä Zäläläw Yä Bägémeder Ena Semén Ŝäqelay Gezat Director; Lä

Täkäbäru Däjjazmač Adanä Mäkonän, Yä Wägära Awraja Gäẑi, Dabat.

A letter about the establishment of Märäba Mariam Junior School and its problem

viii

Appendix- VIII

NGAOA Folder No, ወ/19 File No,--Ref. No. 4347/26/52, Qän Hedar 12/ 1952 E.C, A letter

written from Däjjazmač Keflé Ergäté Yä Ŝäqelay Gezatu Endärasé, Lä Täkäbäru Däjjazmač Adanä

Mäkonän, Yä Wägära Awraja Gäẑi, Dabat.

A letter that describes about the peoples sought establishment of Ŝägädé Däbas-kendesh junior

School and facilitate the shortage of different inputs.

ix

Appendix-IX

NGAOA Folder No.-- File No. 22/ወ 9/29/47, Ref. No. 2/2292/326/10, Qän 8/4/1963 E.C. A letter

written from Täsfayä Eräda Yä Ŝäqelay Gezatu Sera Askihaj Lä Wägära Awraja Śefät Bet, Dabat.

A letter that describes the quest of enrollments and admission in to secular education that presented

from religious education students.

x

Appendix-X

NGAOA Folder No.- File No, ወ213/49, Ref. No.1915/7/5, April 18, 1963. A letter written from

Haile Selassie I University Public Health College Training Center, Gondar. To Lieutnant General

Näga Haile Selassie, Governor General of Bägémeder and Semén, Gondar and Lä Wägvra Awraja

Gezat Śefät Bét, Dabat.

A letter that describes about the provision of vaccination service from Gondar Health College to

chase the expansion of epidemic disease in Wägära Awraja

xi

Appendix- XI

NGAOA Folder No,- File No ወ213/19/42 .Ref. No. 497/56, A letter of medication query written

from Aba Ṕétros ṔaṔas Zä Gondar Wä Zä Kulu Adiamiha, Lä Ŝäqelay Gezatu Śefät Bét, Gondar.

Letter of Medical quest from Ethiopian Orthodox Church Pope of Gondar, that indicates the

emphasis to chase the spread of that disease.

xii

Appendix- XII

NGAOA. Folder No.-- File No. ወ213/19/42, Ref. No. 4166/42/54, Qän 14/11/1954 E.C. A letter of

Public Clinic query, written from Bägémeder and Semén province, Gondar; To Ministry of Public

Health, Addis Ababa.

A letter that describes about the peoples quest of establishing Public Health Clinic in Ŝägädé,

Dansha, Adirämäƫ and Humära.

xiii

Appendix- XIII

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/19. File No. 111/42, Qän 25/1/1963. A Telegram letter that sent from Grazmač

Mängestu Terunäh Yä Bägé-Meder Ena Semén Ŝäqelay Gezat Ŝäqelay Śähafi, Lätäkäbäru Bitwädäd Adanä

Mäkonnen, Humära and Radio communication reports from Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen, Humära.

A telegram letter, that sent to Bitwädäd Adanä Mäkonnen that informed about the provision of

pesticides in order to protect locust invasion at Humära state farm.

xiv

Appendix-XIII

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/19. File No. 111/42, Qän 25/1/1963. Radio communication reports from Bitwädäd

Adanä Mäkonän, from Humära.

Radio message from Bitwädäd Adanä that requested pesticide to protect sorgum from locust

invasion

xv

Appendix-XIV

NGAOA Folder No፣ ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No.51/673/69, Qän 17/7/1969 E.C A letter written

from Colonel Lägäsä Eshäté, Yä Bägé-Meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria wana Azaẑi

Lä Gondar Awraja Astädadär, Gondar, Lä Wägära Awraja Astädadär, Dabat, Lä Sämén Awraja

Astädadär, Däbarq.

An urgent letter that describes about some prominent opposing groups against Därg

xvi

Appendix-XV

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30 File No.—Ref. No. 5/1703/69, Qän 9/2/1969 E.C. A letter written

from Colonel Emiru Wändé Yä Gondar Kefelä Hagär Astädadari Lä Hagär Astädadär Minester,

Addis Ababa.

A letter that describes about EDU‘s intention to control Dabat under Bitwädäd Adanä by mobilizing

beyond one thousand army.

xvii

Appendix-XV

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30 File No.—Ref. No. 5/1035/69, Qän 9/2/1969 E.C. A letter written

from, Colonel Emiru Wändé, Yä Gondar Kefelä Hagär Astädadari Lä Hagär Astädadär Minester

Addis Ababa.

A letter about the strong hold of EDU and its strengthen in Armaçiho.

xviii

Appendix-XVI

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.--Ref. No. 5/1020/69, Qän 4/5/1969 E.C A letter written

From Lieutnent Colonel Emiru Wändé, Gondar. Lä Colonel Lägäsä Wäldämariam, Addis Ababa

A letter describes about the surunder of government force at Humära to EDU force.

xix

Appendix-XVI

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.-- Ref. No.5/972/69, Qän 4/5/1969 E.C. A letter wrote from

Lieutnent Colonel Emiru Wändé, Gondar. Lä Colonel Lägäsä Wäldämariam, Addis Ababa.

About the control of Humära town and its Airport by EDU force

xx

Appendix-XVII

NGAOA Folder No፣ ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No.18/11/327/69 Qän Tahsace 25/1969 E.C, A

letter written from Colonel Lägäsä Eshäté, Yä Bägé-Meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria

wana Azaẑi, Lä Keflä Hagvru wana Astädadari, Gondar.

The letter about the occupation of Wälqait by Bitwädad Adanä and the challenges of EDU

xxi

Appendix XVIII

NGAOA Folder No፣ ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No— Qän Ŝer 21/1969 E.C A letter wrote from

Colonel Lägäsä Eshäté, Yä Bägé-Meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria wana

Azaẑi, Lä lieutnent Emiru Wändé; Gondar, Lä 21st Brigade Azaẑi, Lä Keflä Hagäru

Tänäqanaqi Yä Därg Buden- Gondar; Lä police Särawit Ŝäqelay Mämria, Addis Ababa;

Lä Wägära Awraja police Azaẑi, Dabat.

A letter that describes about EDU propagation and great acceptance of Bitwädäd Adanä from the

people of Ajeré that he designed to control Dabat.

xxii

Appendix XIX

A letter describes about Bitwädäd Adanä mobilization of large army in Wägära Awraja and his plan

against Därg.

xxiii

Appendix-XIX

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.—Ref. No. ቤ.ህ.አ/3/ም/4/704, Qän 27/08/1969 E.C. A

letter wrote from Colonel Lääsä Eshäté Yä Bägémeder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police

Mämria wana Azaẑi, Lä Keflä Hagäru wana Astädadari Lä Keflä Hagäru Yä Hebrät Ez

Mämria, Gondar.

A letter that justifies about the retreat of government army from Dabat and Däbarq fearing that

EDU‘s organized invasion of Gondar may challenge the government.

xxiv

Appendix-XX

NGAOA ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref.No. አ/2/36/71. Qän 6/12/1975 E.C Ejig Bätam Käfetäña Mister,

Lä Gondar Awraja Astädadr Śefät bé Gondar; Kä Sälämon Mulunäh, Meketel Astädadari.

A letter of warning that describes about the streangh of bandits Movement and their expansion in

Armaçiho.

xxv

Appendix XXI

NGAOA Folder No.ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.--ኢ/አ/መ/9/63/3/69 Qän Ŝer 10/1969 E.C, A letter written

from Ethiopian Air Line Lä Bägé-Meder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Astädadär Śefät Bét, Gondar.

A letter states about the disruption of Ethiopian Air Lines fly to Humära probably fearing of EDU

force in the area.

xxvi

Appendix- XXI

NGAOA Folder Noወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. 5/955/69, Qän 3/5/1969 E.C A letter written from kä

Keflä Hagäru Astädadär Śefät Bét, Shaläqa Bäräta Gämoraw, Meketel wana Astädadari, Gondar,

Lä Gondar Negde Bank, Gondar.

It describes about the dread of the government that fear lootings of EDU on Humära Banking

service.

xxvii

Appendix- XXII

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No. 5/133/69, Qän Yäkatit 9/1969 E.C, A letter

written from Lieutenant Colonel Emiru Wändé, Yä Keflä Hagäru wana Astädadari, Gondar; Lä

Colonel Lägäsä Wäldä-Mariam, Addis Ababa

It describes about the reoccupation of Dabat by EDU force

xxviii

Appendix- XXIII

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.—Ref. No. 5/1929/69, Qän 9/9/1969 E.C. A letter written

from Colonel Emiru Wändé, Lä 20ኛው

Yä Näbälbal Ŝor Azaẑi, Gondar

A letter of moral and appreciation to 205th

Näbälbal artillery about its victory over EDU force.

xxix

Appendix-XXIII

NGAOA Folder No, ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No—Ref. No. 205/3/1499, Qän 9/9/1969 E.C. A letter written

from Yä Näbälbal Ŝor Yä 205ኛው

Hayel Mämria, Lä 21

ኛው Yä Näbälbal Brigade Mämria, Gondar.

War reports from 205th

Näbälbal Artillery to 21th

Brigade of Därg in Gondar.

xxx

Appendix-XXIV

A letter of reports about the fumble of Bitwädad Adanä‘s house at Dabat.

xxxi

Appendix XXV

NGAOA. Folder No.ወ105, File No. 1186/12/68, Qän 1/10/1969 E.C. A report that written from

Tadäsä Koricho, Yä Bägémeder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria wana Azaẑi, Lä Keflä

Hagäru wana Astädadari, Lä Keflä Hagäru Yä Hebrät Ez Mämria, Gondar.

A letter of detail report that describes the battle of Wärq-Dämo and war preparation order so as to

repulse EDU‘s revenge strike over government army.

xxxii

Appendix- XXVI

NGAOA Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No- Ref. No. 418/9/733, Qän Genbot 10/1969 E.C, A letter

written from Yä Bägémeder Ena Semén keflä Hagär Police Mämria wana Azaẑi, Lä Keflä Hagäru

wana Astädadär Śefät Bét, Gondar.

A letter of witness about the fled of EDU force towards Sudan.

xxxiii

Appendix- XXVII

NGAOA. Folder No. ወ/አ/ፀ/30. File No.-- Ref. No. 173/5/726, Genbot 10/69 E.C A letter written

from colonel Lägäsä Esheté Yä Bägemeder Ena Semén Keflä Hagär police Mämeria Lä keflä

Hagäru Astädadär Śefät Bét, Gondar.

A letter of report that states about the maintenance of sustainable peace in Wägära Wäräda and

the exile of Bitwädäd Adanä towards Sudan with his army.

xxxiv

Appendix –XXVIII

NGAOA Folder No ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No.--Ref. No. 13/69, Qän 27/8/69E.C, a brochure of EDU; Kä

Aläqa Jägné Yä Ethiopia Democratic Hebrät that tried to convince the people for struggle against

Därg; A propaganda brouchure of EDU

xxxv

Appendix- XXIX

NGAOA Folder No ወ/አ/ፀ/30, File No-Qän, 26/8/1969 E.C, Misƫer, Mastawäqia, Selä

wänbädéwäč Enqeseqasé

Letter of notice, that announced about the movement of EDU and its new strategies to continue

their struggle against Därg.

xxxvi

Appendix-XXX

NGAOA Folder No. ወ105. File No--Ref, No. 1277/55/12, Qän 28/5/1975 E.C A letter written from

Yä Gondar Awraja Astädadär Śefät Bet, Lä Keflä Hagäru Astädadär Śefät Bet, Gondar.

A secret letter about the assassination of Bitwädäd Adanä by EPRP agents

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Declaration

I, Biruk Eshetie declared that this thesis is my original work and the sources of

materials used for the construction of this thesis have dully acknowledged.

Name – Biruk Eshetie

Signature ---------------------

Date--------------------------------

THE BIOGRAPHY OF BITWÄDÄD ADANÄ MÄKONNEN (1901 ...

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