50 Years On: How Emperor Haile Selassie I's Unyielding Legacy Still Shapes Ethiopia and Inspires Africa
50 Years On: How Emperor Haile Selassie I's Unyielding Legacy Still Shapes Ethiopia and Inspires Africa
Today marks 50 years since the passing of Ethiopia's last emperor. Reigning from 1930 to 1974 and revered as divine in the Rastafari faith, Emperor Haile Selassie I's contributions laid foundational stones for the nation's development and global standing.
A descendant of the ancient Solomonic dynasty, the Ethiopian monarch initiated significant reforms and championed Pan-Africanism.
🟠First Constitution
On July 16, 1931, Emperor Haile Selassie introduced Ethiopia’s first constitution, aiming to centralize power and modernize governance, stating that injustice and oppression thrive in the absence of law.
🟠Abolition of Slavery
In 1942, the emperor officially abolished slavery, a landmark social reform that stands out in Ethiopia’s history.
🟠Education and Infrastructure
He established Ethiopia’s first university, schools, Ethiopian Airlines, hospitals, and other public services, laying the foundation for national development.
🟠 Global Diplomacy
Haile Selassie elevated Ethiopia’s international standing by joining the League of Nations and later the United Nations. His speech at the League of Nations during Italy’s invasion, declaring Ethiopia’s resistance to foreign aggression (in the video), became a beacon for African liberation struggles.
🟠 Pan-African Leadership
His promotion of Pan-Africanism earned global recognition. In 1963, he played a key role in founding the Organization of African Unity and securing Addis Ababa as its headquarters.
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