HAYLA MALAKOT SAHLA SELASSIE
Hayla Malakot Sahla Selassie (circa 1825-October 1855) was king of Shawa and the surrounding regions from 1847-55. He was succeeded by his son, who later became Emperor Menilek II [reigned 1889-1913]. The son of King Sahla Selassie of Shawa, and of Wayzaro Bazabech, he was born around 1825, and was brought up at his father’s court at Ankober, 75 mi ((120 km) northeast of what was to become the site of Addis Ababa.
His father nominated him as heir to the throne, and he succeeded him on his death in October 1847. Tradition has it that he abolished the customs of imprisoning all princes at the time of a king’s accession to the throne.
He led a series of expeditions to pacify the rebellious Galla around Shawa. He also fought the ruler of Dara, a Muslim state west of the future site of Addis Ababa in 1853. He relieved Ras Ali Alula, ruler of most of central and northern Ethiopia from 1831-53, who had been trapped when attempting to seek refuge after his defeat by Dajazmach Kassa, later to become Emperor Tewodros. Hayla Malakot attempted to resist the invasion of Tewodros, but fell ill and died in October 1855, just before the emperor reached Shawa.
BAIRU TAFLA
