Land to the Tiller: Unfinished legacy of Ethiopia’s 1975 proclamation

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the radical land reform encapsulated by the “Proclamation to Provide for the Public Ownership of Rural Lands.” The proclamation was profound and marked a significant milestone in fundamentally shaping agrarian relations in rural Ethiopia, with even broader ramifications. Fifty years on, this phenomenal epoch in the political history of Ethiopia warrants a thorough reflection as to its merits, promises, and predicaments that rendered it less effective than it could have been. Before that, however, it is necessary to briefly recap the significance of land.

the enduring impact and unresolved issues of Ethiopia's 1975 land reform proclamation, highlighting its promise to empower farmers while criticizing its incomplete implementation and lingering challenges in land rights and agricultural development.

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Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Selassie Reveals Secrets of Ethiopia's Imperial Dynasty

Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Selassie , a self-proclaimed descendant of Ethiopia’s last emperor, has revealed details about his family history and imperial lineage. Recently released from a Swiss prison, he shared insights into his exile, identity struggles, and connection to Ethiopia’s monarchy. Key points: Imperial origins : Aklile claims to be the son of Prince Makonnen, Duke of Harar , and fled Ethiopia after the 1974 coup that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie. Exile and survival : He escaped to Italy with the help of his maternal grandfather, Beniamino Bissirri , who legally recognized him to ensure his safety. Family legacy : His grandfather contributed to Ethiopian agriculture, introducing crops like oranges and mandarins. Personal reflections : He also spoke about his daughter, Lulù Selassie , and her relationship with Manuel Bortuzzo, expressing concerns about how external influences affected their bond. Aklile’s revelations reignite discussions about Ethiopia’s imperi...

A sword and cloak belonging to Ras Desta Damtew, a hero of Ethiopia's resistance against Italian occupation, were listed for auction in Italy

Ras Desta was a son-in-law of Emperor Haile Selassie and was executed by Italian forces in 1937, a war crime recognized by a UN commission. Yeshimebet Kassa, Ras Desta's granddaughter, expressed that auctioning these items is offensive and painful for the family. The Ethiopian Heritage Authority (EHA) requested the cancellation of the auction, claiming the items were looted during the Italian occupation (1935-1941). The auction house, Capitolium Art, cancelled the sale after receiving the EHA's letter but did not disclose the identity of the items' owner. This incident follows a previous auction of a medal belonging to Ras Desta, which also faced backlash but went ahead without a sale due to lack of bids. The article highlights the broader challenges Ethiopia faces in reclaiming looted artefacts, particularly from private collectors. Many Ethiopian artefacts remain in private hands or foreign museums, complicating restitution efforts. The situation reflects ongoing debates ...

Timeless Ethiopia

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