DARGE, SAHLA SELASSIE
- 2 Min Read
Ras Darge Sahla Selassie (1829 – March 22, 1900), a counsellor of Menilek II, was distinguished general and a provincial governor. He was the son of King Sahla Selassie by a Gurage mistress, but the king chose a younger son as his successor.
PHOTO CAPTION: Ras Darge Sahla Selasse. SOURCE: EA Library
He was already a capable military leader in 1849 and with his brother, conquered the territories around Entoto 3 mi (5km) north of modern Addis Ababa, that was to become the Ethiopian capital from 1880-1889. When Tewodros II (reigned 1855-1868) marched on Shawa in 1855. Darge was taken prisoner and remained one until he was freed by the British expedition of 1868. On his return, his nephew, King Menilek, aoointed him a Dajazmach and made him governor of Marha Beta province in Shawa.
He pacified northwestern Shawa, was made Ras (high commander) in October 1878 and became governor of the Salale district, a post he continued to hold until his death.
In the following decade he conquered Arusi, south of Shawa for Menileck, and participated in the capture of Harar. Darge was loyal to his sovereign, who frequently appointed him a regent in his absence in from the capital on campaigns.
As one of Menilek’s counsellors, he was consulted before any major state decision was taken. He has an impressive presence and was generous and tolerant. He was very religious, but although church-oriented he encouraged innovation, and even sent a son to Europe to study. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Darge was opposed to slavery.
BAIRU TAFLA
