TIG PEOPLE WHAT HAGOS
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Popularly known as "Amoraw Wubineh" or "Wubineh the Eagle", Ras Wubineh Tessema was a prominent leader of the anti-facsist resistance in western Beghemidir province during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia between 1936 and 1941. A native of Armachoho district in the lowlands bordering the Sudan, Wubineh Tessema started out as one of many bandit/brigand leaders out to make their fortune in the rough and tumble frontier regions. Upon the invasion of Ethiopia by the Italians, Wubineh Tessema turned his mission from brigandage to attacking the invader wherever he found them. He and his growing band of patriot fighters (including his wife) traveled freely between the eastern Sudan and western Ethiopia, establishing close ties with prominent local figures on both sides of the border, and making it impossible for the Italians to pacify Beghemidir. Ras Wubineh also stood out in his steadfast personal loyalty to Emperor Haile Selassie, refusing to entertain any possibility of setting up a rival claimant on the Ethiopian throne to lead the resistance as had been suggested by other patriot leaders at various times.
Although he had unilaterally adopted the title of Ras while fighting the Italians, Emperor Haile Selassie only confirmed the title of Dejazmatch on him upon his restoration in 1941. However, he was elevated to Ras shortly thereafter. Ras Wubineh was famous for being extremely outspoken and fearless about contradicting anyone and everyone if he believed it was called for, including the Emperor himself. This lead to the Ras spending some periods under house arrest. In spite this character, Emperor Haile Selassie had a very strong affection for Ras Wubineh and valued his advise.
Following the fall of the monarchy in 1974, the Derg member Melaku Tefera (later known as the Butcher of Gondar) who was appointed governor of Gondar province, ordered Ras Wubineh and his wife to vacate their home in that city taking it over for himself, complete with all it's contents. It was a scandalous diservice to a man who had proven himself a hero and patriot of Ethiopia in her darkest times. Ras Wubineh died in Addis Ababa a few years later and was buried at Holy Trinity Cathedral in the capital among the great leaders of the resistance against Italy.
