Menelik II, Emperor of Ethiopia give away a group of Tigray's districts to Italy in 1890 after the death of Emperor Yohannes of Ethiopia. Italy called these districts "Eritrea" and proclaimed as it's colony. There was no opposition from Menelik II to Italy's colonisation of North Tigray or Upper Tigray now called Eriirea. It is mentioned in some historical anecdotes that Emperor Menelik II wanted to give the whole of Tigray to Italy to appease The Italian Emperor. Emperor Menelik II defeated Italy in 1896 at the Battle of Adwa and made himself history as the first African to defeat an European army. Menelik is almost worshipped in Ethiopia as a hero and a benefactor. However, a look into Menelik's campaigns in South Ethiopia would illustrate that he was a fascist thug, who killed thousands of Oromo, Guraghes and Sidamo to subdue them to his rule. Ethiopia's capital city was called " Addis Ababa", which means a new flower in the Amharic language, one of the languages in Ethiopia, which is spoken by about 20% of the population. The original name of "Addis Ababa" is Fin Finne in Oromo language and should have been called Fin Finne. The name "Addis Ababa" or New Flower connotes that Menelik II was occupying the area and the Amhara were settling in the area. Thus the Amhara and other tribes living in Fin Finne or Addis Ababa migrated from other parts of Ethiopia.
The other crime Menelik II committed to Africans is that he gave away a territory of Tigray to Italy for free or sold it for a few rounds of ammunition. Some say Menelik II was farsighted for selling away a territory of Tigray to Italy as the weapons and ammunition served to defeat the invading Italian army in 1896. We believe Menelik had support from Russia and was already importing weapons from other countries during the Reign of Emperor Yohannes. Besides this should not be a reason to give away one's population into slavery. Menelik has been preparing to take the crown by overthrowing Emperor Yohannes, but Yoahnnes was more powerful. Menelik started collaborating with Italy while Yohannes was the head of state (Emperor or King of Kings of Ethiopia). The Treaty at Wichale is a clear illustration of the betrayal of Menelik to Ethiopia indirectly and to Yohannes directly.
As Encyclopaedia Britannica puts it :
"Treaty of Wichale, Wichale also spelled Ucciali, (May 2, 1889), pact signed at Wichale, Ethiopia, by the Italians and Menilek II of Ethiopia, whereby Italy was granted the northern Ethiopian territories of Bogos, Hamasen, and Akale-Guzai (modern Eritrea and northern Tigray) in exchange for a sum of money and the provision of 30,000 muskets and 28 cannons.
Article XVII of the Treaty of Wichale stated that the emperor of Ethiopia “could” have recourse to the good offices of the Italian government in his dealings with other foreign powers; but the Italian text of the treaty had the word “must.” Based on their own text, the Italians proclaimed a protectorate over Ethiopia. In September 1890, Menilek II repudiated their claim, and in 1893 he officially denounced the entire treaty. An attempt by the Italians to impose a protectorate over Ethiopia by force was finally confounded by their defeat at the Battle of Adwa on March 1, 1896. By the Treaty of Addis Ababa (Oct. 26, 1896), the country south of the Mareb and Muna rivers was restored to Ethiopia, and Italy acknowledged the absolute independence of Ethiopia."
The Wichale Treaty clearly shows how Menelik II gave away a territory of Tigray-Ethiopia to Italy. Menelik II also willingly collaborated in enslaving Ethiopia's population. This is a heinous crime against humanity. Besides Menelik invited a foreign power to colonise Africa or part of Africa, which makes him a collaborator with the European colonisers. After defeating Italy in Adwa in 1896, Menelik II took possession of The St. Mary Tsion of Aksum Orthodox Church. He also ordered the nobilities of Tigray to subdue to his rule. Allula Aba Nega, an experienced African general who wanted to go to Rome to conquer Italy lived under house arrest in Addis Ababa and was killed by order of Menelik. Ras Menegesh, son of emperor Yohannes, who was the legitmate heir to the throne, was also taken to Addis Ababa and was poisoned to death by Menelik's spies.
Even though Menelik defeated Italy in 1896, but he had policies that devastated some parts of Ethiopia. The Tigray, Oromo, Guraghe and Sidama people of Ethiopia were subdued by Menelik. The Oromos were killed en mass and made landless. As to Tigray, it was weakened as half of it's population was under Italian colonial rule. Eritrea colonised by Italy for 50 years and was under British protectorate for 10 years. Eritrea is now an independent country since 1993 after 30 years of armed struggle against Ethiopia. Tigray has been supporting Eritrea during the armed struggle and after independence. Unfortunately Eritrea declared war against Ethiopia in 1998 due to border issues. Tigray was in difficult situation as it could not fight against it's own brothers and sisters. Tigrayans opposed to any war against Eritreans. However, Issayas Afeworqi provoked Ethiopia to war by bombing children at Ayder School., in Mekelle, Tigray. This was unpardonable and Eritrea paid a high price for it, which was a hard pill for Tigrayans to swallow.
Since April 2018, there is a peace deal between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Many Eritreans have been crossing the border and are most welcome in Tigray. However, the co-operation between Tigray and Eritrea should lead to a unity of both Tigrigna speakers. Eritreans should learn from Tigray that The Amhara do not accommodate equality of all tribes in Ethiopia. Tigray and Eritrea should unite to have more say in the geopolitics of Eastern Africa. Tigray and Eritrea could develop standard Tigrigna to facilitate communication and develop literature. The youth on both sides of the Mereb could have the same curriculum at kindergarten, elementary and high school levels. We believe Tigray and Eritrea have the same fate and should face the challenges of 21st Century together come rain or shine.
The Treaty of Wichale in English ad verbatim:
Treaty of friendship and trade between the kingdom of Italy and the Empire of Ethiopia (Treaty of
Wuchale) His Majesty King Umberto I of Italy and Menelik His Majesty The King of Kings of Ethiopia, in order to make
meaningful and lasting peace between the two Kingdoms of Italy and Ethiopia have agreed to conclude a treaty of friendship and commerce .
And His Majesty the King of Italy having delegated as his representative, Count Pietro Antonelli, Commander of the Crown of Italy, Knight SS. Maurice and Lazarus, his extraordinary posted by His Majesty the King Menelik,whose full powers were found in good and due form, and His Majesty the King Menelik concluded in his name as
King of Kings of Ethiopia, agreed and concludes the following Articles:
Article 1. There will be perpetual peace and friendship between His Majesty the King of Italy and His
Majesty the King of Kings of Ethiopia and between their respective heirs, successors, servants and protected populations.
Article 2. Each Contracting Party shall be represented by a diplomatic agent accredited to the other and may appoint consuls, agents and consular officers in the other.
Such officials shall enjoy all the privileges and immunities according to the customs of the European governments.
Article 3. To remove any ambiguity about the limits of the territories over which the two Contracting Parties shall exercise sovereign rights, a special commission composed of two delegates and two Ethiopians will draw on Italian soil with special signals a permanent boundary line whose strongholds are established as below:
a) the line of the plateau will mark the Ethiopian-Italian border;
b) from the region Arafali Hala, Sagan and Asmara are villages in the Italian border;
c) Adi and Adi Nefas Joannes Bogos will be on the side of the Italian border;
d) by Adi Joannes a straight line extended from east to west will mark the border between Italy and Ethiopia.
Article 4. The monastery of Debra Bizen with all their possessions will remain the property of the Ethiopian government but will never use it for military purposes.
Article 5. The caravans from or to Massawa to Ethiopian territory pay on one single law of the customs entry of 8 per cent on the value of the goods.
Article 6. The trade of arms and ammunition from or through Massawa to Ethiopia will be free for the only King of Kings of Ethiopia.
Whenever they want to get the passage of such kinds will make regular application to the Italian authorities, bearing the royal seal.
The wagons with load of weapons and ammunition will travel under the protection and cover of Italian soldiers until alconfine Ethiopia.
Article 7. The subjects of each of the two Contracting Parties will be free to enter, travel, go out with their merchandise and effects in the other country and will enjoy greater protection of the Government and its employees.
And, therefore, strictly forbidden to people on both sides armed contractors to meet many or few and pass their borders in order to impose itself on people and groped by force to provide food and livestock.
Article 8. The Italians in Ethiopia and Ethiopians in Italy or Italian possessions can buy or sell, take or lease and in any other manner dispose of their property no less than the natives.
Article 9. And fully guaranteed in both states the option for other subjects to practice their religion.
Article 10. Any disputes or quarrels between the Italians in Ethiopia will be defined by the Italian in Massawa or his delegate.
The fights between Italians and Ethiopians will be defined by the Italian in Massawa or his delegate and a delegate of the Ethiopian.
Article 11. Dying in an Italian in Ethiopia or an Ethiopian in Italian territory, the local authorities were carefully kept all his property and held at the disposal of government to which the deceased belonged.
Article 12. In any event, circumstance or for any Italians accused of a crime, they will be judged by the Italian authorities.
That is why the Ethiopian authorities shall immediately deliver to the Italians authorities in Massawa the Italians accused of having committed a crime.
They also accused the Ethiopians of crime committed on Italian soil will be judged by the Ethiopian.
Article 13. His Majesty the King of Italy and His Majesty the King of Kings of Ethiopia is obliged to deliver criminals who may have become refugees, to escape punishment by the rulers of one on the other domains.
Article 14. The slave trade was against the principles of the Christian religion, His Majesty the King of Kings of Ethiopia is committed to prevent it with all his power, so that no caravan of slaves can cross its member.
Article 15. This Treaty shall be valid throughout the Ethiopian Empire.
Article 16. While in the present Treaty, after five years from the date of signature, one of two High Contracting Parties may wish to introduce some modifications to do so, but he must prevent the other a year earlier, while remaining firm and every single concession on territory.
Article 17. His Majesty the King of Kings of Ethiopia can use the Government of His Majesty the King of Italy for all treatments that did business with other powers or governments.
Article 18. If His Majesty the King of Kings of Ethiopia intends to grant special privileges to nationals of third state to establish businesses and industries in Ethiopia, will always be given, under equal conditions, preference to the Italians.
Article 19. This treaty being drafted in Italian and Amharic and the two versions agree with each other perfectly, both texts shall be deemed official, and will in every respect equal faith.
Art 2O. This Treaty shall be ratified.
In witness whereof, Count Pietro Antonelli on behalf of His Majesty the King of Italy, His Majesty the King of King Menelik of Ethiopia, in his own name, signed and affixed their seal to this Treaty, at the camp Uccialli of 25 miazia 1881 corresponding to May 2, 1889.
Imperial Seal of Ethiopia
For His Majesty the King of Italy Pietro Antonelli
Ratification of MS, Monza, September 29, 1889
