milieu that was confronting a twentieth-century world. A man of exceptional
intelligence endowed with exceptional memory, he had visited Europe and met many
statesmen from which he was exposed to new notions of governance. Although
without formal education in the Western sense, he had quickly realized the
importance of modernizing Ethiopia, a belief that prompted him to give priority to
education throughout his life.
His premonition to the world powers who had allowed his country to be violated by
the Fascists hordes, that their turn will also come, remains a remarkable prophecy in
modern times. While living in exile, the Emperor succeeded in maintaining the
legitimacy of the Ethiopian nation, and eventually securing back her independence
and sovereignty, which was no small diplomatic feat. After the liberation the
reconstruction of the country was not an easy matter. Confrontation with the
liberating colonial allies who wanted to make of Ethiopia a protectorate, as well as
reestablishing a viable government administration in highly different and adverse
conditions, offered many pitfalls that the Emperor surpassed with skill and hard work.
The Emperor was an indefatigable worker totally dedicated to his mission. From what
I had observed occasionally, his day started around five in the morning and ended
around midnight. He insisted that everything be reported to him by ministers,
governors and department heads. All officials, big and small, were expected to report
to him about their work, which allowed him to keep tight control over what went on in
the country. The various functions he presided were strictly scheduled and regulated.
He attended rigorously all religious and national celebrations. Every afternoon he
visited hospitals, schools and attended functions where his presence was required.
He presided every day over the Imperial Court of Justice. All decisions he made were
after consultation with all interested parties. He was highly disciplined and punctual in
the performance of his imperial duties. Gifted with an extraordinary and unique
personality, he represented Ethiopia and its glorious past with dignity and honor.
Some of the salient achievements of his reign were – obtaining the Ethiopian
Orthodox Church its own Patriarchy; securing Ethiopia’s independence and national
integrity; gaining full international recognition and status for Ethiopia; modernizing the
government administration; promulgating provincial autonomy; establishing the civil
service; restoring Ethiopia’s legitimate access to the sea and returning Eritrea to the
motherland; granting free education to all citizens including university; introducing a
modern legal system and codification of the civil, commercial and penal codes;
modernizing the police; creating a modern defense force (Army, Airforce and Navy);
adopting quinquennial development plans; establishing banking and financial
institutions, an airline, telecommunications, a highway authority, shipping lines, ports,
a
refinery,
hydroelectric
dams
and
countless
other
projects.
All the above were achieved with a minimum reliance on foreign interference. Last
but least, he conducted an independent