The Remarkable Journey of Tsehafi Tizaz Aklilou Habtewold: From Wartime Escape to Nation Building
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By E Frashie Ethiopian Tribune correspondent
In the annals of Ethiopian history, few figures embody the spirit of diplomatic excellence and unwavering patriotism quite like Tsehafi Tizaz Aklilou Habtewold. Born on 12th March 1912 in the Bulga district of Shewa Province, this son of a rural Ethiopian Orthodox priest would rise to become one of Ethiopia’s most distinguished statesmen, serving as Foreign Minister from 1947 to 1958 and Prime Minister from 1961 until his tragic execution by the Derg in 1974.
The Making of a Diplomat: Early Years in Paris
Aklilou’s illustrious diplomatic career began not after the Italian occupation, as many historians have assumed, but on its very eve in 1936 (1928 EC) at the Ethiopian Legation in Paris. Appointed as press attaché, the young diplomat demonstrated remarkable foresight and dedication to his nation’s cause during one of Ethiopia’s darkest hours.
During this critical period, as fascist Italy tightened its grip on Ethiopia, Aklilou established two committees in France dedicated to fighting for Ethiopia’s freedom. His most significant contribution was the creation of “Nouvelles d’Ethiopie” (News of Ethiopia), a French-language newspaper that served as Ethiopia’s voice to the international community. Through this publication, he tirelessly exposed the fascist invasion and brought Ethiopia’s plight to the attention of peace-loving nations worldwide.
Aklilou’s commitment extended beyond journalism. He served as secretary for the Ethiopian delegation led by Fitawrari Teklehawaryat, which advocated tirelessly at the League of Nations, travelling between Paris and Geneva in a desperate attempt to secure international support for Ethiopia’s sovereignty.
From April 1936 onwards, Aklilou was promoted to First Secretary of the Ethiopian Legation in France, and by September 1937, he had assumed the critical role of Chargé d’Affaires, a position he held until the Legation ceased operations.
The Great Escape: Thomas Wold of Colombia
Perhaps the most extraordinary chapter in Aklilou’s life unfolded as Nazi Germany’s war machine rolled across Europe. When German forces breached France’s borders and advanced towards Paris, forcing the French Government to relocate to Bordeaux, Aklilou faced a life-threatening dilemma that would test his resourcefulness and determination.
With characteristic dedication, he closed the Ethiopian Legation and cycled to Bordeaux to continue his diplomatic duties. However, as Nazi forces bore down on this last refuge, Aklilou found himself in mortal peril. His Ethiopian passport, compromised by Italy’s occupation of his homeland, could offer no protection in Nazi-occupied Europe.
In a masterstroke of survival instinct, Aklilou entrusted his Ethiopian passport to the American Ambassador in France and sought refuge through an ingenious ruse. At the Colombian Consulate in Marseille, he obtained a laissez-passer under the assumed identity of “Thomas Wold.” This Colombian travel document became his lifeline, allowing him to slip away to Lisbon, Portugal, where he would wait out the war’s darkest days.
The name “Thomas Wold” thus became synonymous with the young Ethiopian diplomat’s remarkable escape from the Nazi war machine. Whilst in Portugal, the American Ambassador faithfully posted him his Ethiopian passport, maintaining the crucial link to his true identity and diplomatic status.
Architect of Modern Ethiopia
When the fascist tide turned and Aklilou returned to Ethiopia in 1942 (1934 EC) using his real name and Ethiopian passport, he brought with him not only survival experience but a profound understanding of international diplomacy that would prove invaluable to his nation’s future.
Following the restoration in 1941, Aklilu served as a representative to the Peace conference after the end of the Second World War, then served as Foreign Minister. During this time, Aklilu played a key role in the complex process that brought Eritrea into federation with Ethiopia. His diplomatic acumen was instrumental in navigating the treacherous waters of post-war geopolitics, ensuring that Ethiopia and Eritrea were federated in September 1952 in accordance with the U.N. resolution.
One of Aklilou’s most enduring legacies was his pivotal role in establishing Ethiopian Airlines. His key role in the establishment of Ethiopian Airlines is amongst his major contributions to the country. This visionary initiative transformed Ethiopia’s connectivity with the world and established the foundation for what would become Africa’s most successful airline. His foresight in recognising the importance of aviation for a landlocked nation’s development cannot be overstated.
Equally significant was his diplomatic success in retaining Gambella when British colonial forces were compelled to withdraw from Africa. Through skilful negotiation and unwavering determination, Aklilou ensured that this strategically important region remained under Ethiopian sovereignty, preventing what could have been a significant territorial loss.
Family Testimonies: Preserving a Legacy
The true measure of Aklilou’s character and contributions comes alive through the testimonies of his family members, who have devotedly preserved his memory and archives. Speaking from the treasured library that survived the 1974 upheavals, his nephew Amde Akalework recalls: “Uncle Aklilou was not merely a politician or diplomat; he was a visionary who understood that Ethiopia’s future lay in connecting with the world whilst preserving our sovereignty and dignity.”
Nigussey Akalework, another nephew, adds: “The stories from his library reveal a man who never forgot his roots despite his international exposure. His wartime experiences as ‘Thomas Wold’ taught him that identity and patriotism were not merely concepts but matters of life and death.”
Tirsite Akalework, his niece, provides insight into his personal character: “Uncle Aklilou’s dedication extended to his family relationships. Even during his most challenging diplomatic assignments, he maintained correspondence with family members, always sharing his experiences and seeking to educate the younger generation about the world beyond Ethiopia’s borders.”
These family testimonies, drawn from documents and personal effects carefully preserved in Aklilou’s library, offer invaluable insights into a man whose public service was matched by private devotion to family and principle.
A Testament to Devotion: Madame Collette Aklilou
No account of Aklilou’s life would be complete without acknowledging the extraordinary care shown to his French wife by his extended family. Madame Collette Aklilou, a French citizen who had shared her husband’s diplomatic journeys and tribulations, found herself embraced by the Akalework family following his tragic death in 1974.
Most notably, Hirut Akalework became a pivotal member of the family support network, living in Paris near Madame Collette Aklilou and providing daily care and companionship from 1974 onwards. Her presence in Paris ensured that Madame Aklilou was never alone, maintaining the cultural and emotional connections that had sustained her throughout her marriage to the distinguished diplomat.
Araya Akalework also played a crucial role, visiting Madame Aklilou regularly when he was living in London, ensuring that family bonds remained strong across the English Channel. His visits provided not only emotional support but also practical assistance, helping to coordinate care and maintain communication between the scattered family members.
However, it was Amde Akalework who bore the primary responsibility for Madame Aklilou’s welfare throughout her old age. Having been specifically raised and charged by Aklilou Habtewold himself with this sacred duty, Amde approached his uncle’s final request with the same dedication and honour that characterised the family’s service to Ethiopia. Through decades of political upheaval and social transformation, he demonstrated remarkable commitment, ensuring that Madame Aklilou’s needs were met with dignity and love.
This extraordinary family commitment exemplified the values that Aklilou himself had embodied: loyalty, compassion, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to family. Madame Collette Aklilou lived to her nineties under their loving care, a testament to the enduring bonds that transcended nationality and circumstance.
The Tragic End and Enduring Legacy
Tsehafi Taezaz Aklilu Habte-Wold (Amharic: አክሊሉ ሀብተ ወልድ; 12 March 1912 – 23 November 1974) was an Ethiopian politician under Emperor Haile Selassie whose life was tragically cut short during the revolutionary upheavals of 1974. His execution by the Derg marked the end of an era in Ethiopian diplomacy, silencing a voice that had spoken eloquently for Ethiopia on the world stage for nearly four decades.
Yet Aklilou’s legacy endures. Ethiopian Airlines, which he helped establish, has become Africa’s largest and most successful carrier, connecting the continent to the world and serving as a source of national pride. The Eritrean federation, which he negotiated, though ultimately dissolved, demonstrated his commitment to maintaining Ethiopian territorial integrity through diplomatic rather than military means. His successful retention of Gambella preserved crucial territory for future generations.
He was recognised in the 2013 (E.C) Bego Sew Award ceremony attended by President Sahlework Zewde, acknowledging his contributions to Ethiopian development and international standing.
Reflections on a Life of Service
Aklilou Habtewold’s remarkable journey from a priest’s son in rural Shewa to the corridors of international diplomacy exemplifies the transformative power of education, dedication, and unwavering patriotism. His wartime experiences as “Thomas Wold” demonstrated not only personal courage but also the precarious nature of sovereignty and the importance of international alliances.
His contributions to modern Ethiopia from establishing Ethiopian Airlines to negotiating complex territorial arrangements reflect a vision that extended far beyond his own lifetime. In an era when many African leaders focussed primarily on immediate political concerns, Aklilou understood that Ethiopia’s future depended upon its ability to engage meaningfully with the international community whilst preserving its unique identity and independence.
A Grateful Acknowledgement
The Ethiopian Tribune extends its heartfelt gratitude to Amde Akalework, Nigussey Akalework, Tirsite Akalework, Hirut Akalework, and Araya Akalework for their invaluable contributions to this reportage. Their dedication to preserving their uncle’s library and personal effects, despite the chaos of 1974, has made it possible for current and future generations to understand and appreciate Aklilou’s remarkable contributions to Ethiopian history.
Special recognition must be given to Hirut Akalework, whose decision to live in Paris near Madame Collette Aklilou demonstrated extraordinary devotion and sacrifice. Her daily presence provided comfort and companionship during the most difficult years following Aklilou’s death, ensuring that his beloved wife never felt abandoned or forgotten.
Araya Akalework’s regular visits from London showed the family’s commitment to maintaining connections across borders, whilst Amde Akalework’s assumption of primary responsibility for Madame Aklilou’s welfare a duty entrusted to him by Aklilou himself exemplifies the highest traditions of family honour and loyalty.
Their extraordinary care for Madame Collette Aklilou through her final years serves as a poignant reminder that the values Aklilou championed loyalty, compassion, and duty continue to inspire his family and, through their testimonies, the nation he served so faithfully.
In remembering Tsehafi Tizaz Aklilou Habtewold, we honour not only a distinguished diplomat and statesman but also a visionary whose legacy continues to shape modern Ethiopia. From the young press attaché who cycled through war-torn France to the Prime Minister who helped lay the foundations of contemporary Ethiopian infrastructure, his story remains one of courage, dedication, and unwavering love for his homeland.
As Ethiopia continues to navigate the complexities of the modern world, the example of Aklilou Habtewold diplomat, survivor, nation-builder, and patriot offers both inspiration and guidance for future generations of Ethiopian leaders and citizens alike.
This reportage is dedicated to the memory of Tsehafi Tizaz Aklilou Habtewold and to the family members who have preserved his legacy for posterity.
