Mereja.Forum

[Thomas H]

This letter is circulating in the social media. The question is whether this is authentic or fake.

[Abere]

In fact, I read a letter signed by Emperor Menelik II that carried ultimatum to Jimma Abajifar regarding the sell of Oromo and Janjero as slaves to Arabs some 35 years ago. It is true, like all correspondence letters written by past kings like Emperor Tewodros letter to Britain Queen and Emperor Yohannes letter to Britain - all of them in Amharic. It is wise not falsify history, even if you do not like you should accept it otherwise you will have no history other than being የታሪክ መናፍቅ which is chronic sickness - such as Abiy Ahmed is because he hate Emiye Menelilk II and consequently claimed he was leading the battle of Adowa

This letter is circulating in the social media. The question is whether this is authentic or fake.

[Sadacha Macca]

Ironic because Meneliks owned thousands of slaves and used his taxes on the slave trade to buy weapons that he used to expand his empire and consolidate his rule.

[Abere]

The most perplexing historical fact: Many might assume this being an Oromo on Oromo crime - but it was not an Oromo on Oromo crime. It was an Arab (Aba Jifar) on Oromo crime. Aba Jifar (or Jafar, Arabic name) was originally an Arab and was selling about 1 million Oromo and Janjero per year. He was not exporting coffee, but slaves. Sadly, this Arab slave merchant significantly depopulated the Janjero (now Yem) ethnic group. During his time, the city of Jimma and its environ was inhabited by Janjero mostly. Emperor Menelik II was touched by the heinous crime of this predator. Jimma should have built memorial statute reflecting the grim history slave trade. It needs one now - Slave Trade Memorial Statute in memory of those underwent barbaric treatment is a long overdue for Jimma