MAMMO, HAILEMARIAM

Lej Hailemariam Mammo (1909-June 6, 1938) was a Patriot of the Ethiopian resistance to the Italian occupation of (1936-1941) and was famed for his courage.

PHOTO CAPTION: Lej Hailemariam Mammo SOURCE: EA Library

He was born at Yaya-Guele, a rural area in the Salale district of Shawa, and was the son of Mammo Haile, himself the son of Haile Andar-gachew, who participated in the battle of Adwa (1896) at which the Ethiopian forces defeated the invading Italians; his mother was Emahoy Woletes Wolde-Mikael, a woman of modest origin. He himself became a farmer in the Salale region.

After being released from prison where he served a term for the alleged murder of a man in self-defense, he fought against the Italians at the battle of Maychaw (1936), having at his disposal only his irregulars. After the defeat of the Ethiopian forces at Maychaw, he decided on his own initiative, to continue to resist the Italians.

He began his resistance by laying a successful ambush for the Italian forces at Chacha, 68 mi (110km) west of Addis Ababa, on May 4, 1936, even though he had only 15 men at his disposal. This action helped to rekindle the flame of resistance. Returning to his birthplace to mobilise his forces, he burnt his own home at Yaya, in order to demonstrate his determination and to encourage others to fight. He then pursued a campaign of guerrilla warfare, moving from district to district and fighting in many encounters.

On July 21, 1936, he marched on Addis Ababa with other leaders in order to reoccupy the city. When the plan to liberate and reoccupy Addis Ababa failed, he returned to Salale, where he continued fighting until his death on June 7, 1938.

He was killed in action at the battle of Gorfo, about 62 mi (100km) west of Addis Ababa, aged only 34. Lej Hailemariam Mammo is remembered for his determination, his bravery and his ability as an organiser. He is also remembered for having continued to bear arms against his country’s invaders even though he was suffering from serious wounds.

SALOME GEBRE EGZIABHER