SIBAGADIS, DAJAZMACH

Dajazmach Sibagadis (1770-February 15, 1831) was an Ethiopian statesman who ruled over Tegré from 1818-31. He was the son of Shum Agawe Waldu, ruler of Agamé. On the death of Ras Walda Selasse, ruler of Tegré from 1780-1816, Sibagadis succeeded in defeating all other claimants and became ruler of Tegré.

His blood relationship with the Irob, a Christian group in Eritrea, made it possible for him to obtain fierce fighters and to spread his influence in the lowlands near the coast. He made an alliance with the principalities of Semen and Bagemder by marrying a daughter of Dajazmach Hayla Maryam of Semén, who was also the maternal grand-daughter of Ras Gugsa of Bagemder. Later he married his daughter to Dajazmach Webé, who succeeded his father, Hayla Maryam, in Semen.

After the death of Ras Gugsa in 1825, Sibagadis aimed to extend his influence over Gondar. He sent a missionary to England in 1827 to seek artisans and officers to train his army, and to purchase arms. The arms, however, did not arrive in Ethiopia until after his death.

He supported Wagshum Kenfu of Dembea, and Webe, against Ras Mareye, the ruler of Bagemder. But Kenfu was killed, and Webé joined Mareye after a defeat. Sibagadis therefore invaded Semén and appointed Dajazmach Marso, his brother-in-law and half-brother of Webé, as governor of Semén. He was however met by the combined forces of Mareye and Webé. Although Mareye was killed in the fiercely-fought battle of Mai Islami which ensued, in January 1831, Sibagadis himself was captured and executed.

Sibagadis had a prosperous reign, was generous, brave, and impulsive, was just to the poor, and friendly to all strangers.

ZEWDE GABRE-SELLASSIE