| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Haile Selassie I |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| Home | Haile Selassie I | The Church | Rastalogy | Organization | Church Store | Events | Related Links | Contact Us |
| Copyright © 2003-2004 The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. ~ All rights reserved. |
| Selected Speeches |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Chapter III |
| Selected Speeches |
It is a historical fact that Ethiopia's struggle against colonialism and
imperialism has been a source of inspiration to all the coloured peoples of
the world. This struggle of Ethiopia had earned her the active opposition
of all the colonial powers who had systematically followed a policy of
containing and isolating Ethiopia from the rest of Africa. This was
accompanied by a continuous barrage of hostile propaganda
misrepresenting Ethiopian reality to the outside world and particularly
Africa. However, this policy was frustrated and Ethiopia continued to
exist as a sovereign and independent country though the threat had never
been removed. During this period the relentless struggle of our people to
maintain the independence of their country had won the sympathy and
moral support of the entire world and gave meaning and form to the
present Pan-African Movement. At this point it would be fitting to pay
tribute to such distinguished personalities as Mr. Jomo Kenyatta, Dr.
Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. W.E. DuBois, and others
who had completely identified themselves with our struggle against
colonialism and imperialism in trying years.
It is common knowledge that after the close of the second World War the
African Liberation Movement had gathered momentum and penetrated the
length and breadth of the entire continent of Africa. In the period since
the war We have seen the birth of over twenty-six independent African
States, who have gained full membership in the U.N. and this number will
undoubtly go on increasing as each year sees the emergence of still more
new states to independence. Ethiopia is justly proud of the role she has
played in this development.
imperialism has been a source of inspiration to all the coloured peoples of
the world. This struggle of Ethiopia had earned her the active opposition
of all the colonial powers who had systematically followed a policy of
containing and isolating Ethiopia from the rest of Africa. This was
accompanied by a continuous barrage of hostile propaganda
misrepresenting Ethiopian reality to the outside world and particularly
Africa. However, this policy was frustrated and Ethiopia continued to
exist as a sovereign and independent country though the threat had never
been removed. During this period the relentless struggle of our people to
maintain the independence of their country had won the sympathy and
moral support of the entire world and gave meaning and form to the
present Pan-African Movement. At this point it would be fitting to pay
tribute to such distinguished personalities as Mr. Jomo Kenyatta, Dr.
Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. W.E. DuBois, and others
who had completely identified themselves with our struggle against
colonialism and imperialism in trying years.
It is common knowledge that after the close of the second World War the
African Liberation Movement had gathered momentum and penetrated the
length and breadth of the entire continent of Africa. In the period since
the war We have seen the birth of over twenty-six independent African
States, who have gained full membership in the U.N. and this number will
undoubtly go on increasing as each year sees the emergence of still more
new states to independence. Ethiopia is justly proud of the role she has
played in this development.
| New African Nations |
Next October We will be happy to welcome Uganda into the community
of Independent African States. We are confident that after the next
consitutional conference which is due to take place in two weeks time,
Kenya's independence too as a unified State will not be unnecessarily
delayed.
Despite the recent unfortunate events that have taken place in
Ruanda-Urundi and the setback the African nationalists have suffered in
the loss of their dedicated nationalist leader, the late Prince Rwagasore, We
have to hope that Ruanda-Urundi will attain its cherished goal of
independence in March 1962 in accordance with the United Nations
resolutions.
However, when We turn our attention to the Rhodesias and the Portuguese
Colonies of Angola and Mozambique and others We find the prospects
rather gloomy. The recent banning of the National Democratic Party led
by Mr. Joshua Nkomo in Southern Rhodesia, and the arrest and
imprisonment of many of its leading members did not pass without
arousing the indignation of all freedom loving peoples.
The situation in Northern Rhodesia is equally grave. There too We find
the United National Independent Party, which has the support of the
African majority of that country led by the distinguished nationalist leader
Mr. Kenneth Kaunda, banned and suppressed in some parts of the
country. We deplore the measures taken by the colonialist regime to
frustrate legitimate African aspirations for justice, freedom and
independence. We are sure that ultimately our African brothers there will
emerge victorious and attain the goal they have set for themselves.
of Independent African States. We are confident that after the next
consitutional conference which is due to take place in two weeks time,
Kenya's independence too as a unified State will not be unnecessarily
delayed.
Despite the recent unfortunate events that have taken place in
Ruanda-Urundi and the setback the African nationalists have suffered in
the loss of their dedicated nationalist leader, the late Prince Rwagasore, We
have to hope that Ruanda-Urundi will attain its cherished goal of
independence in March 1962 in accordance with the United Nations
resolutions.
However, when We turn our attention to the Rhodesias and the Portuguese
Colonies of Angola and Mozambique and others We find the prospects
rather gloomy. The recent banning of the National Democratic Party led
by Mr. Joshua Nkomo in Southern Rhodesia, and the arrest and
imprisonment of many of its leading members did not pass without
arousing the indignation of all freedom loving peoples.
The situation in Northern Rhodesia is equally grave. There too We find
the United National Independent Party, which has the support of the
African majority of that country led by the distinguished nationalist leader
Mr. Kenneth Kaunda, banned and suppressed in some parts of the
country. We deplore the measures taken by the colonialist regime to
frustrate legitimate African aspirations for justice, freedom and
independence. We are sure that ultimately our African brothers there will
emerge victorious and attain the goal they have set for themselves.
| Task Unfinished |
Compared with these two territories the prospects in Nyasaland look
somewhat brighter. But even there We are aware that much still remains
to be done. We extend, therefore, our wholehearted support and
encouragement to our distingished brother, the honourable Dr. Hastings
Banda, in his endeavour to assure African majority rule in his country.
The situation in Zanzibar too merits our full attention. It is of paramount
importance in our view that the African majority of that island nation be
allowed to play the leading role in shaping the destiny of their country
unhindered by outside interference and intrigue.
As regards the tragic situtation obtaining in Angola, Mozambique and the
others, We deplore Portugal's policy of suppression of unarmed and
defenceless peaceful African inhabitants who have no other fault than
demanding their right of self-determination and independence. In our
view, the Portuguese colonies are non-self-governing territories and all the
good that Portugal can do in the interest of peace is to co-operate with the
United Nations and comply with its resolutions and negotiate with the
nationalist leaders with a view to working our the programme and
time-table of its colonies' accession to independence.
With respect to the question of the future status of Bechuanaland,
Swaziland and Basutoland, We are distrubed by the slow pace of political,
consitutional, economic and social progress of our fellow Africans in these
territories. It is incumbent upon Great Britain to apply the same wisdom it
had applied to its former colonies in Africa and Asia and likewise to speed
up the political and consitutional advance of the African inhabitants of
these territories to as to assure their early accession to indepedence.
The apartheid policy of the racist government of the white minority in
South Africa continues to subject our African brothers, who constitute the
overwhelming majority in that country, to untold humiliation and
oppression.
So much has been said in the past about sanctions and measures to be
taken against South Africa, but unfortunately little has been done to force
the Union Government to change its policy. It is therefore imperative that
all those who have the interest of the Africans at heart should start
thinking in new lines than hitherto undertaken in order to effectively assist
our African brothers to deliver them out of the bondage under which they
find themselves at present in that unhappy country.
The unfortunate condition in which our African brothers find themselves
in South-West Africa under the notorious and deplorable policy of
apartheid and ruthless administration of South Africa is equally depressing
and intolerable. However, We are convinced that before long the
continued efforts of the United Nations and the legal proceedings
instituded at the International Court of Justice by Our Government and
that of Our sister State of Liberia will bear fruit.
somewhat brighter. But even there We are aware that much still remains
to be done. We extend, therefore, our wholehearted support and
encouragement to our distingished brother, the honourable Dr. Hastings
Banda, in his endeavour to assure African majority rule in his country.
The situation in Zanzibar too merits our full attention. It is of paramount
importance in our view that the African majority of that island nation be
allowed to play the leading role in shaping the destiny of their country
unhindered by outside interference and intrigue.
As regards the tragic situtation obtaining in Angola, Mozambique and the
others, We deplore Portugal's policy of suppression of unarmed and
defenceless peaceful African inhabitants who have no other fault than
demanding their right of self-determination and independence. In our
view, the Portuguese colonies are non-self-governing territories and all the
good that Portugal can do in the interest of peace is to co-operate with the
United Nations and comply with its resolutions and negotiate with the
nationalist leaders with a view to working our the programme and
time-table of its colonies' accession to independence.
With respect to the question of the future status of Bechuanaland,
Swaziland and Basutoland, We are distrubed by the slow pace of political,
consitutional, economic and social progress of our fellow Africans in these
territories. It is incumbent upon Great Britain to apply the same wisdom it
had applied to its former colonies in Africa and Asia and likewise to speed
up the political and consitutional advance of the African inhabitants of
these territories to as to assure their early accession to indepedence.
The apartheid policy of the racist government of the white minority in
South Africa continues to subject our African brothers, who constitute the
overwhelming majority in that country, to untold humiliation and
oppression.
So much has been said in the past about sanctions and measures to be
taken against South Africa, but unfortunately little has been done to force
the Union Government to change its policy. It is therefore imperative that
all those who have the interest of the Africans at heart should start
thinking in new lines than hitherto undertaken in order to effectively assist
our African brothers to deliver them out of the bondage under which they
find themselves at present in that unhappy country.
The unfortunate condition in which our African brothers find themselves
in South-West Africa under the notorious and deplorable policy of
apartheid and ruthless administration of South Africa is equally depressing
and intolerable. However, We are convinced that before long the
continued efforts of the United Nations and the legal proceedings
instituded at the International Court of Justice by Our Government and
that of Our sister State of Liberia will bear fruit.
| Pan-Africanism |
As We have stated earlier a greater part of Africa has got rid of colonial
rule. But colonialism has left behind various problems. It has fostered
tribal, religious and linguistic differences with the deliberate intention of
preoccupying African States with quarrels among themselves and
obstructing their development programmes and thus creating conditions
for neo-colonialism to thrive. The Africans have advanced the concept of
Pan-Africanism as the best method of resolving African problems and of
further strengthening African Independence and Unity.
Ethiopia has fully indentified herself whit the Pan-African Movement, in
the furtherance of which cause she has already proposed at the 16th
session of the General Assembly of the United Nations the establishment
of the Organization of African States. We are pleased to state that this
same proposal has received unanimous acceptance by the Independent
African States at the recent Conference in Lagos.
You are now meeting here to lay the foundation for the establishment of a
regional federation of the East and Central African countries. Although
this objective presupposes the total emancipation of the territories of Our
region, most of which still finds itself under Colonial rule, this should not
hinder the already Independent States of our region from going ahead and
working out the practical arrangements that would give form and
substance to this objective.
The eyes of all Africa and indeed of the world are focused upon this
Conference and it is Our earnest hope that the outcome of your
deliberations will measure up to the expectations of the peoples of this
region and indeed the whole of Africa.
Africa, together with the rest of the non-aligned world, has emerged as a
positive force for peace and harmony on our planet. While stiving to
realize our aspirations and ideals, therefore, all our efforts and resources
should as well be directed towards the advancement of this all-important
aim. May God grant you the wisdom in your endeavour to accomplish the
task before you.
rule. But colonialism has left behind various problems. It has fostered
tribal, religious and linguistic differences with the deliberate intention of
preoccupying African States with quarrels among themselves and
obstructing their development programmes and thus creating conditions
for neo-colonialism to thrive. The Africans have advanced the concept of
Pan-Africanism as the best method of resolving African problems and of
further strengthening African Independence and Unity.
Ethiopia has fully indentified herself whit the Pan-African Movement, in
the furtherance of which cause she has already proposed at the 16th
session of the General Assembly of the United Nations the establishment
of the Organization of African States. We are pleased to state that this
same proposal has received unanimous acceptance by the Independent
African States at the recent Conference in Lagos.
You are now meeting here to lay the foundation for the establishment of a
regional federation of the East and Central African countries. Although
this objective presupposes the total emancipation of the territories of Our
region, most of which still finds itself under Colonial rule, this should not
hinder the already Independent States of our region from going ahead and
working out the practical arrangements that would give form and
substance to this objective.
The eyes of all Africa and indeed of the world are focused upon this
Conference and it is Our earnest hope that the outcome of your
deliberations will measure up to the expectations of the peoples of this
region and indeed the whole of Africa.
Africa, together with the rest of the non-aligned world, has emerged as a
positive force for peace and harmony on our planet. While stiving to
realize our aspirations and ideals, therefore, all our efforts and resources
should as well be directed towards the advancement of this all-important
aim. May God grant you the wisdom in your endeavour to accomplish the
task before you.
| Inter-Africa |
| The Congo Crisis |
Nineteen months have now elapsed since the Republic of the Congo
(Leopoldville) acceded to indepedence, but because of persistent foreign
interference in its internal affairs that sister African State has not been able
so far to consolidate its unity and to enjoy the blessings of its
independence. Consequently the intervention of the United Nations in the
Congo was made necessary in order to assist the Central Government to
restore law and order and to maintain the territorial integrity of the
country. But while We appreciate the immense difficulties posed by
disruptive outside interference, nevertheless the task of reintegrating the
administration of the territory largely remains the responsibility of the
Congolese themselves. Certain of Our Congolese brothers should let
history pass a severe judgement on them because of their seeming lack of
patriotism at these critical moments. All those who aspire to leadership
inthat sister country should realize that they will be accountable to
posterity for all their activities. Should they proceed on their present
course of dissention and internecine strife, they would continue to be a
pawn of neo-colonialist diplomacy and thus endanger not only their
country but also the entire continent of Africa. We therefore call upon
them to take heed of this solemn warning and pursue the best interests of
their country and that of Africa.
(Leopoldville) acceded to indepedence, but because of persistent foreign
interference in its internal affairs that sister African State has not been able
so far to consolidate its unity and to enjoy the blessings of its
independence. Consequently the intervention of the United Nations in the
Congo was made necessary in order to assist the Central Government to
restore law and order and to maintain the territorial integrity of the
country. But while We appreciate the immense difficulties posed by
disruptive outside interference, nevertheless the task of reintegrating the
administration of the territory largely remains the responsibility of the
Congolese themselves. Certain of Our Congolese brothers should let
history pass a severe judgement on them because of their seeming lack of
patriotism at these critical moments. All those who aspire to leadership
inthat sister country should realize that they will be accountable to
posterity for all their activities. Should they proceed on their present
course of dissention and internecine strife, they would continue to be a
pawn of neo-colonialist diplomacy and thus endanger not only their
country but also the entire continent of Africa. We therefore call upon
them to take heed of this solemn warning and pursue the best interests of
their country and that of Africa.
| Haile Selassie the First - February 2, 1962 |
| Speech To The P.A.F.M.E.C.A. Conference Feb. 02, 1962 |
It is a privilege for us Ethiopians to welcome in Our midst such a
distinguished gathering of African nationalist leaders and freedom fighters
of this region on the occasion of the opening of the Conference of the
Pan-African Freedom Movement of East and Central Africa here in our
Capital city of Addis Ababa. This is not the first time that Addis Ababa
has acted as a host to African leaders, and the results achieved during past
Conferences give cause for pride and a sense of accomplishment on the
part of those who took part in them. We are equally certain that this
Conference, which convenes today, will contribute significantly to the
goals of African Independence and Unity.
We specially welcome the Delegations of the newly independent sister
African State of Tanganyika, whose leader Mr. Julius Nyerere has played
such a prominent role in the initiation and promotion of the ideals of
P.A.F.M.E.C.A. We are also happy to note that P.A.F.M.E.C.A. is
drawing into its folds, for the first time since its inception, several
Independent African States namely, Tanganyika, the Sudan, Somalia and
Ethiopia. This will no doubt be a strong factor to accelerate the freedom
movement of Our region. The fact that new nations are recognizing the
importance of this movement and the impact which it can have in shaping
the future region should be a source of satisfaction and encouragement to
us all.
This Conference meets at a critical juncture in the historical development
of the countries of East and Central Africa. While We rejoice at the recent
accession to independence of several African Countries, We are full of
hope and confidence that the remaining dependenct territories, who find
themselves under colonial rule, will soon find themselves amidst us as
members of a community of free nations.
Ethiopia, as the oldest independent African State, has had bitter
experiences in maintaining the continuity of the Independence down
throughout the centuries. The bitter struggle our country had to pass
through in the 19th and 20th centuries, when our own very survival as a
sovereign and independent African State was threatened, is well known.
This struggle reached its climax when one of the then principal colonial
powers launched unprovoked aggressions against Ethiopia in 1896 and in
1935. But the bravery and gallantry of the Ethiopian nationalist forces
which were amply displayed in those years not only saved our country but
also contributed to a substantial degree to the liberation of Africa. In her
struggles, Ethiopia fought not only for herself but for all Africa, and the
triumph of this Continent over the forces of imperialism and colonialism is
in some small measure a vindication and a record for the hardships adn
perils of years past.
distinguished gathering of African nationalist leaders and freedom fighters
of this region on the occasion of the opening of the Conference of the
Pan-African Freedom Movement of East and Central Africa here in our
Capital city of Addis Ababa. This is not the first time that Addis Ababa
has acted as a host to African leaders, and the results achieved during past
Conferences give cause for pride and a sense of accomplishment on the
part of those who took part in them. We are equally certain that this
Conference, which convenes today, will contribute significantly to the
goals of African Independence and Unity.
We specially welcome the Delegations of the newly independent sister
African State of Tanganyika, whose leader Mr. Julius Nyerere has played
such a prominent role in the initiation and promotion of the ideals of
P.A.F.M.E.C.A. We are also happy to note that P.A.F.M.E.C.A. is
drawing into its folds, for the first time since its inception, several
Independent African States namely, Tanganyika, the Sudan, Somalia and
Ethiopia. This will no doubt be a strong factor to accelerate the freedom
movement of Our region. The fact that new nations are recognizing the
importance of this movement and the impact which it can have in shaping
the future region should be a source of satisfaction and encouragement to
us all.
This Conference meets at a critical juncture in the historical development
of the countries of East and Central Africa. While We rejoice at the recent
accession to independence of several African Countries, We are full of
hope and confidence that the remaining dependenct territories, who find
themselves under colonial rule, will soon find themselves amidst us as
members of a community of free nations.
Ethiopia, as the oldest independent African State, has had bitter
experiences in maintaining the continuity of the Independence down
throughout the centuries. The bitter struggle our country had to pass
through in the 19th and 20th centuries, when our own very survival as a
sovereign and independent African State was threatened, is well known.
This struggle reached its climax when one of the then principal colonial
powers launched unprovoked aggressions against Ethiopia in 1896 and in
1935. But the bravery and gallantry of the Ethiopian nationalist forces
which were amply displayed in those years not only saved our country but
also contributed to a substantial degree to the liberation of Africa. In her
struggles, Ethiopia fought not only for herself but for all Africa, and the
triumph of this Continent over the forces of imperialism and colonialism is
in some small measure a vindication and a record for the hardships adn
perils of years past.
| Source Of Inspiration |