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Ayalew Asres Wendem

Ayalew Asres Wendem (Amharic: አያሌው አስረስ ወንድም; born 27 Yekatit 1915 E.C. [March 6, 1923 Gregorian] - died 21 Sene 1998 E.C. [June 28, 2006 Gregorian]) was an Ethiopian patriot, government official, and community leader who played a significant role in the resistance against the Italian occupation of Ethiopia and later in the development of various towns in the Gojjam region.

Early Life and Patriotic Resistance

Ayalew Asres Wendem was born in Gojjam Region, Kola Dega Damot province, Bure Shikudad district, Askuna Giorgis kebele. His father, Ato Asres Wendem, was killed in the war against the Italian invaders in April 1928 E.C. (1936 Gregorian), which deeply influenced young Ayalew's commitment to Ethiopian independence.

At the age of 13, Ayalew became involved in the patriotic resistance movement known as the Arbegnoch (Patriots)[1]. He participated in numerous battles against the Italian forces, including:

1. Battles around Dangila town 2. Tilili Fetam River crossing (1930-1933 E.C.) 3. Fereda Fikre Yohannes (15 Nehase 1930 E.C.) 4. Gumerta in Agew land 5. Multiple battles at Askuna Giorgis 6. Ashefa Mariam 7. Absila Meskela Kristos 8. Jigrita Abo 9. Wenjela Gabriel 10. Jibaita Michael 11. Elias Agza Yohannes 12. Gifta Egzirta Kurb Mountain 13. Mistikan Mountain Kakes River (where he was wounded)

One notable incident occurred when Ayalew, eager to capture an enemy rifle, ran alone across a field towards fallen enemy soldiers. He narrowly escaped death when enemy cannons targeted him, leaving large craters in the ground around him[2].

Government Service

After the liberation of Ethiopia, Ayalew joined the Honor Guard (1st Division Army) and served in Emperor Haile Selassie's palace for five years. He then returned to his birthplace and began a career in local government administration:

1. Registry office writer for Bure town municipality (1939-1946 E.C.) 2. Founder and main secretary of Finote Selam town municipality (1946-1962 E.C.) 3. Mayor and judge of Bure town

During his tenure, Ayalew made significant contributions to the development of Finote Selam and Bure towns, including:

Organizing the town layout and infrastructure - Establishing health centers and hospitals - Facilitating the construction of schools - Improving irrigation systems - Creating marketplaces - Solving critical issues such as salt shortages and refugee crises

Political Aspirations

Ayalew ran for election to the Legal Advisory Council in 1969 and 1973 E.C. but was unsuccessful due to the biased electoral system of the time[3].

Work with the Ancient Ethiopia Patriots Association

After retiring from government service in 1970 E.C., Ayalew became actively involved with the Ancient Ethiopia Patriots Association:

1. Manager of the Bahir Dar Development Work (1974-1975 E.C.) 2. Member of the regional patriots' work leadership committee (1976-1984 E.C.) 3. Member of the Executive Board (1989-1998 E.C.)

In this capacity, he contributed to various initiatives, including:

- Restoring the Patriots Memorial Day to Miyazia 27 - Reclaiming the patriots' building in Addis Ababa - Establishing aid collection for struggling patriots - Renovating patriotic monuments - Participating in the return of the Axum obelisk from Italy[4]

Spiritual Life and Community Service

Ayalew was also active in religious and community affairs:

- Renovated and built several churches, including St. George Church in Askuna and St. George Church in Finote Selam - Facilitated cooperation between the Ancient Ethiopia Patriot Heroes and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church - Received the Holy Body and Precious Blood of Jesus Christ at Meskaye Hezunan Medhanealem Church (May 8, 1980 E.C.) - Completed the monastic rite at Debre Libanos Monastery (January 24, 1998 E.C.)

Personal Life

Ayalew Asres Wendem married Mamite Fantahun in 1943 E.C. and had six children with her. He fathered a total of 22 children - 14 sons and 8 daughters - with different women.

Death and Legacy

Ayalew Asres Wendem passed away on June 21, 1998 E.C. (June 28, 2006 Gregorian) at the age of 83. His funeral was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, attended by friends, relatives, and high government officials. He was buried in the section reserved for Ethiopian patriot heroes.

Ayalew's life story reflects the complex history of Ethiopia during the 20th century, from resistance against foreign occupation to the challenges of nation-building and modernization[5]. His contributions to local governance and development in the Gojjam region, as well as his lifelong commitment to honoring Ethiopia's patriotic legacy, make him a notable figure in modern Ethiopian history.

[1] Ethiopian Patriots [2] Second Italo-Ethiopian War [3] Politics of Ethiopia [4] Obelisks of Axum [5] History of Ethiopia

Legacy and Historical Significance

Ayalew Asres Wendem's life and work embody the complex transitions Ethiopia underwent during the 20th century. His experiences provide valuable insights into several key aspects of Ethiopian history:

1. Patriotic Resistance: As a young participant in the Arbegnoch movement, Ayalew's account offers a ground-level perspective on the Ethiopian resistance against Italian occupation[6]. His involvement from the age of 13 highlights the widespread nature of the resistance and the impact of the invasion on Ethiopian society.

2. Local Governance and Development: Ayalew's career in local administration, particularly in Finote Selam and Bure, illustrates the challenges and opportunities in modernizing Ethiopian towns in the post-war period. His efforts in urban planning, infrastructure development, and public services provision reflect the broader national goals of modernization under Emperor Haile Selassie's regime[7].

3. Transition Periods: Having served during the imperial era, witnessed the Derg regime, and participated in public life into the early years of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ayalew's experiences span critical transition periods in modern Ethiopian history[8].

Challenges and Controversies

Despite his long service and patriotic credentials, Ayalew faced several challenges and disappointments:

1. Recognition of Patriotic Service: Ayalew expressed frustration that his patriotic service from 1928 to 1933 E.C. was not fully recognized, with only three years counted officially. This reflects broader issues in how Ethiopia has grappled with recognizing and honoring its patriots[9].

2. Lack of Service Medals: After 36 years of government service, Ayalew was not awarded any service medals, which he found surprising and disappointing.

3. Electoral Setbacks: His unsuccessful runs for the Legal Advisory Council in 1969 and 1973 E.C. highlighted the limitations of the electoral system under the imperial regime.

Notable Achievements

1. Urban Development: Ayalew's work in Finote Selam is particularly noteworthy. He oversaw the transformation of the town from a "forest-like state to an urban appearance," establishing a master plan that guided its development.

2. Crisis Management: His handling of various crises, such as the salt shortage in Bure district in 1976 E.C. and the refugee situation involving displaced Muslims, demonstrated his problem-solving skills and commitment to public welfare.

3. Cultural Preservation: Ayalew's efforts to renovate churches and his involvement in the return of the Axum obelisk reflect his commitment to preserving Ethiopian cultural heritage.

4. Advocacy for Patriots: His work with the Ancient Ethiopia Patriots Association, particularly in reclaiming the patriots' building in Addis Ababa and establishing aid programs for struggling patriots, shows his lifelong commitment to honoring and supporting his fellow resistance fighters.

Historical Context

Ayalew's life spans several crucial periods in Ethiopian history:

1. Italian Occupation (1936-1941): His early involvement in the resistance movement provides a personal account of this pivotal period[10].

2. Post-War Imperial Era: His career in local administration coincides with Emperor Haile Selassie's efforts to modernize Ethiopia.

3. The Derg Regime (1974-1991): Ayalew's experiences during this period, including his interactions with the Development Through Cooperation Campaign students, offer insights into the challenges faced by local administrators during the revolutionary era.

4. Early Federal Period: His continued involvement in public life into the late 1990s E.C. touches on the early years of Ethiopia's current political system.

Contributions to Historical Record

Ayalew's self-written autobiography, completed in 1998 E.C., serves as a valuable primary source for historians studying 20th-century Ethiopia. His detailed accounts of battles, local governance, and social changes provide a unique perspective on Ethiopian history.

[6] Arbegnoch [7] Modernization in Ethiopia [8] 20th-century Ethiopian history [9] Ethiopian Patriots' Association [10] Italian East Africa

This expanded article provides a more comprehensive view of Ayalew Asres Wendem's life and its historical context. It highlights his significant contributions to Ethiopian society while also acknowledging the challenges he faced. The article places his personal experiences within the broader sweep of Ethiopian history, making connections to key events and societal changes throughout the 20th century.