QUBI, ALULA

Ras Alula Qubi (1827-1897) was a distinguished general of Yohannes IV [reigned 1872-89], and a staunch supporter of his heir to the throne, Mangasha Yohannes.

Ras Alula was from Tambén, in Tegré, and began his career as a Nagadras, or chief customs officer. Very early in life, he qualified as a marksman and military tactician. He became a close friend of Yohannes IV who, on seizing power in 1871, made him a major in his army.

Alula showed his military talents in the battles fought in 1875 and 1876 against the advancing Egyptians who, using Massawa as a base, were then attempting to conquer the northern plateau of Ethiopia. He subsequently received the governorship of Asmara (then called Hamasén), and by outsmarting Ras Waldankél, his political rival, became Ras (high military commander) in 1879.

Establishing his headquarters at Asmara, he launched a series of attacks on the unsubjugated lowland people, as well as against the Sudanese, whom he defeated in 1885 at Kufit, 40 mi (64 km) from Kassala in the Sudan. In 1887 he crushed an Italian contingent heading for Asmara from the east. In 1889 Alula again fought the Sudanese Mahdists (a militant Islamic movement composed of followers of the Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmad [1844-851) at the battle of Matamma, on the borders of the Sudan, at which Emperor Yohannes was killed.

On his return, Ras Alula did all he could, without success, to enthrone Mangasha Yohannes as Yohannes’ heir. The Italians had by then taken over Alula’s territory, and he retired to his home district, where he stayed until 1896, when he participated in the Adwa campaign, in which the invading Italians were defeated. He was killed in a quarrel in 1897.

BAIRU TAFLA