By Our Special Correspondent

In an age overwhelmed by ephemeral digital content, the preservation of historical discussions and events through video recordings remains a vital endeavour. A particular video clip, hosted on a endexye YouTube, offers a precious glimpse into a book launch and discussion centred around the extraordinary life and legacy of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. Whilst the precise date of the recording and the videographer’s identity remain unspecified within the clip itself, the mere existence of this footage speaks volumes about the dedication required to document such fascinating historical moments.

A Timeless Conversation Now Accessible in 2025

Picture the scene: a gathering of individuals, likely historians, scholars, and those with a personal connection to Ethiopia, coming together to celebrate the launch of “King of Kings: The Triumph of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia” by Prince Asfa-Wossen Asserate. The atmosphere would have been charged with intellectual curiosity and perhaps a touch of reverence for the subject matter. This video transports us to that moment, allowing us to eavesdrop on a rich discussion led by the author himself, alongside insightful contributions from individuals such as Angela Raven-Roberts.

The Enduring Value of Historical Documentation

The effort involved in recording and preserving such events cannot be overstated. From setting up cameras and microphones to ensuring clear audio and video quality, documentary work requires meticulous planning and execution. The fact that this discussion, whenever it occurred, has been made available online signifies a commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of history. In 2025, this video stands as a testament to the power of such documentation, offering an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to learn about Emperor Haile Selassie I, Ethiopian history, or the broader tapestry of African political thought.

What Awaits Within the Footage

As the provided summary indicates, the video delves into various facets of Haile Selassie’s life and reign. Viewers can expect to gain insights into his personal character, his strategic leadership during pivotal moments in Ethiopian history (including the Italian occupation and his exile), and his ambitious, albeit sometimes challenging, efforts to modernise Ethiopia. The discussion doesn’t shy away from critical perspectives, addressing significant events such as the 1960 coup attempt and the complexities surrounding Eritrea.

Furthermore, the inclusion of audience questions adds another layer of depth, revealing the enduring interest and diverse perspectives surrounding this influential figure. Prince Asfa-Wossen Asserate’s unique position as both an author and a member of the Ethiopian imperial family undoubtedly brings a nuanced and personal dimension to the conversation.

An Invitation to Learn and Reflect

In 2025, this video serves as more than just a historical record; it is an educational tool waiting to be discovered. For students of African history, political science enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the forces that shaped the 20th century, this footage offers a direct connection to a significant historical moment and the perspectives of those who have studied it deeply.

By watching this video, you are not merely consuming content; you are engaging with a carefully preserved piece of intellectual history. You are witnessing the exchange of ideas, the analysis of a complex legacy, and the dedication of individuals committed to understanding and sharing the past. Take the time to explore this valuable resource – you might be surprised by the richness and relevance it holds even today.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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By Our Special Correspondent

In an age overwhelmed by ephemeral digital content, the preservation of historical discussions and events through video recordings remains a vital endeavour. A particular video clip, hosted on a endexye YouTube, offers a precious glimpse into a book launch and discussion centred around the extraordinary life and legacy of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. Whilst the precise date of the recording and the videographer’s identity remain unspecified within the clip itself, the mere existence of this footage speaks volumes about the dedication required to document such fascinating historical moments.

A Timeless Conversation Now Accessible in 2025

Picture the scene: a gathering of individuals, likely historians, scholars, and those with a personal connection to Ethiopia, coming together to celebrate the launch of “King of Kings: The Triumph of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia” by Prince Asfa-Wossen Asserate. The atmosphere would have been charged with intellectual curiosity and perhaps a touch of reverence for the subject matter. This video transports us to that moment, allowing us to eavesdrop on a rich discussion led by the author himself, alongside insightful contributions from individuals such as Angela Raven-Roberts.

The Enduring Value of Historical Documentation

The effort involved in recording and preserving such events cannot be overstated. From setting up cameras and microphones to ensuring clear audio and video quality, documentary work requires meticulous planning and execution. The fact that this discussion, whenever it occurred, has been made available online signifies a commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of history. In 2025, this video stands as a testament to the power of such documentation, offering an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to learn about Emperor Haile Selassie I, Ethiopian history, or the broader tapestry of African political thought.

What Awaits Within the Footage

As the provided summary indicates, the video delves into various facets of Haile Selassie’s life and reign. Viewers can expect to gain insights into his personal character, his strategic leadership during pivotal moments in Ethiopian history (including the Italian occupation and his exile), and his ambitious, albeit sometimes challenging, efforts to modernise Ethiopia. The discussion doesn’t shy away from critical perspectives, addressing significant events such as the 1960 coup attempt and the complexities surrounding Eritrea.

Furthermore, the inclusion of audience questions adds another layer of depth, revealing the enduring interest and diverse perspectives surrounding this influential figure. Prince Asfa-Wossen Asserate’s unique position as both an author and a member of the Ethiopian imperial family undoubtedly brings a nuanced and personal dimension to the conversation.

An Invitation to Learn and Reflect

In 2025, this video serves as more than just a historical record; it is an educational tool waiting to be discovered. For students of African history, political science enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the forces that shaped the 20th century, this footage offers a direct connection to a significant historical moment and the perspectives of those who have studied it deeply.

By watching this video, you are not merely consuming content; you are engaging with a carefully preserved piece of intellectual history. You are witnessing the exchange of ideas, the analysis of a complex legacy, and the dedication of individuals committed to understanding and sharing the past. Take the time to explore this valuable resource – you might be surprised by the richness and relevance it holds even today.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

About Post Author

Ethiopian Tribune editor

editor@ethiopiantribune.com

https://ethiopiantribune.com

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By ✍? Solomon kibriye

Leul Merid Azmatch Asfaw Wossen Haile Selassie, Ye Ityopia Niguse Negest Alga Worash. (Prince Merid Azmatch Asfaw Wossen Haile Selassie, heir to the throne of the Emperor of Ethiopia.)

Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen was a man whose life would prove to be extremely eventful almost from the day of his birth.

Prince Asfaw Wossen was born on July 27, 1916 in the City of Harrar to his parents, the then Dejazmatch Tafari Makonnen and Woizero Menen Asfaw and was immediately pitched into the middle of a great Imperial drama. Just days before his birth, his father had been urgently summoned from Harrar to Addis Ababa by Lij Iyasu. Upon arriving at the palace in obedience to the summons, Dejazmatch Tafari was stunned to learn that Lij Iyasu had departed for Harrar. He was told that he was stripped of his governorship of Harrarge which would now be directly administered by Lij Iyasu, and he would instead be posted to Sidamo. He was to be restricted to his home in Addis until his departure for Sidamo. Upon arriving in Harrar, Lij Iyasu went to stay at the home of one of his Harrari friends, but ordered Woizero Menen to immediately vacate the governors residence along with her children and to go join her husband in Addis. Kegnazmatch (later Leul Ras) Imiru pleaded with Lij Iyasu to allow Woizero Menen to properly recover from childbirth and at least have the baby boy baptized before forcing her to travel. After Lij Iyasu’s favorite sister Woizero Sehin (Woizero Menen’s mother) also pleaded with him, he relented. Little Asfaw Wossen was baptized 40 days after his birth as Amha Selassie, before his mother took him and her toddler daughter Tenagnework out of Harrar. A rumor had reached her that Lij Iyasu was planning to force her to divorce Dejazmatch Taffari and marry her to one of his allies, so Kegnazmatch Imiru smuggled the future Empress and her children out of Harrar disguised as a Somali family, got them to Dire Dawa and put them on the Train to Addis. It was these events that definitively shattered the ties between Lij Iyasu and Dej. Tafari and led to the later turning his support to the nobles planning to depose Lij Iyasu. Just two months after his birth, Asfaw Wossen Tafari’s father was made a Ras, proclaimed Crown Prince, and Regent of Ethiopia. On November 2, 1930, upon his father being crowned Emperor of Ethiopia, he was anointed as heir to the throne ( Alga Worash) and made an oath of loyalty.

Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen was married twice. His first wife was Princess Wolete Israel Seyoum, daughter of Leul Ras Seyoum Mengesha, and great-granddaughter of Emperor Yohannes IV. They would have one daughter, Princess Edjigayehu Asfaw Wossen. After his divorce the Prince went on to marry Princess Medferiashwork Abebe, daughter of Dejazmatch Abebe Damtew. On her mother’s side Princess Medferiashwork was the granddaughter of Ras Mengesha Atikem of Damot and Agew Midir, Enderase of Gojjam for a time and a hero of Adwa. By her Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen had four children, Princesses Mariam Senna, Sehin, and Sifrash Bizu, as well as a son Prince Zera Yacob.

During the course of his life, Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen was proclaimed monarch of Ethiopia three times. First, in December 1960, General Mengistu Neway and his brother Girmame attempted a coup d’état against Emperor Haile Selassie. They proclaimed Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen Emperor in his father’s place and the Prince made a radio broadcast saying he would be restricted to a salary and that a more equitable and democratic constitutional monarchy would be set up. The coup failed though, and whether or not the Prince was a willing participant would always be a point of discussion. Then in September 1974, while the Prince was receiving medical care for his debilitating stroke, he was again proclaimed monarch, this time by the Derg. Upon deposing Emperor Haile Selassie, the Derg declared that upon his return to Ethiopia after the completion of his treatment, Prince Asfaw Wossen would be crowned King (not Emperor) of Ethiopia, and that the titles Lion of Judah and Elect of God would be abolished. The international press gathered outside the home the Crown Prince and his family were staying at in Geneva to get his reaction at becoming Ethiopia’s new monarch. A spokesperson came out and told the reporters that “His Imperial Highness” had not received any official communications from Addis Ababa, and that he was concerned about the safety of his family who were under detention. By using the term “His Imperial Highness” rather than “His Majesty”, the spokesman was revealing that Asfaw Wossen still regarded himself as Crown Prince and not King, and that he did not accept the dethroning of his father. The monarchy was formally abolished by the Derg in early 1975 by proclamation. Finally, after repeated urging by elements of Ethiopian political movements outside Ethiopia, Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen was proclaimed Emperor of Ethiopia in exile in April 1989, at his home in London. He announced that his reign name would be his baptism name, and was to be called Emperor Amha Selassie I.

After the fall of the Derg in 1991, he set up a monarchist movement known as Moa Anbessa that campaigned for the restoration of a strictly ceremonial monarchy as a symbol of national unity and legal and historic legitimacy and continuity. After the Ethiopian government exhumed Emperor Haile Selassie’s remains, Amha Selassie prepared to return to Ethiopia to preside at a planned state funeral. Former President Nixon and Senator Ted Kennedy, as well as members of European and Asian Imperial and Royal families were expected to attend. However, the government refused to allow a state funeral and stated that they would not be responsible for the security of foreign guests who attended. The funeral was this indefinitely postponed, and would not take place until after Amha Selassie himself had died.

Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen Haile Selassie (Emperor in Exile Amha Selassie I) died in the Virginia suburbs of Washington DC on February 17, 1997. His body was returned to Addis Ababa and was buried among members of his family in the crypt of Holy Trinity Cathedral. His funeral was presided over by the Patriarch Abune Paulos and all the hierarchy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and most of the diplomatic community in Addis Ababa. The government did not allow state honors, but his death was announced on state television. The announcement recognized his titles as Crown Prince and referred to him as Leul Merid Azmatch, but made no reference to his claimed title as Emperor.

✍? Solomon kibriye

About Post Author

Ethiopian Tribune editor

editor@ethiopiantribune.com

https://ethiopiantribune.com

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