Category: Statements

12 May 2026 / 4 ግንቦት 2018

It is with great pleasure that I wish to convey my appreciation to the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum for this act of restitution and restoration that is being carried out today. I would also like to thank Dr. Robin Jackson, chairman of the Museum Trust, for his kind invitation to attend this occasion. I regret that I am unable to attend in person, but I extend my thanks to Dr. Jackson and the Museum Trust.

These relics of Emperor Tewodros II that are being handed to representatives of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority today are more than just a simple case of human remains being returned to their place of origin. Tewodros II represents an ideal of Ethiopian nationhood, of patriotism and national pride that still speaks to Ethiopians today. His vision of unity and development was perhaps way ahead of his time in the Ethiopian context, but his efforts resulted in the strengthening of Ethiopian unity and prepared it for the coming challenge that was European colonialism on the African continent. If it were not for Tewodros II, Ethiopia would not have had the strength to maintain its independence and sovereignty to the present day. Therefore, these relics of Tewodros II have immense meaning for all Ethiopians and indeed Africans.

This act is one that honours the long ties of friendship between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom. Although we faced each other across a battlefield in 1868, our two nations have enjoyed ties of friendship since then. Indeed, it is to be remembered that British forces played the key role in ending the occupation of Ethiopia by fascist Italy in 1941, which made Ethiopia the first country freed from occupation by the Axis Powers in World War II. Acts such as this handover today only serve to strengthen our ties of friendship.

The possession of historic items by institutions and individuals far from their origins is a delicate topic which continues to raise passions and rhetoric in our present day. The issues of preservation, heritage restitution and restoration, and property rights will continue to be contentious ones. However, in recent times we are seeing increasingly that a spirit of cooperation is emerging to find ways to bridge the gaps and come up with solutions. These are not isolated acts, but part of a larger movement grounded not in division, but in understanding. Not in accusation and recrimination, but in collaboration and cooperation. The return of these sacred and historical relics to the National Museum of Ethiopia by The King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum is a powerful affirmation: that history, when approached with integrity and goodwill, can become a bridge rather than a barrier. Today we are building yet another bridge between our nations, our institutions, and between our peoples.

I would like to extend my deep appreciation to Professor Abebaw Ayelew of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, and Professor Alula Pankhurst who are receiving these relics and who work tirelessly to preserve our national heritage. I also want to extend special thanks to Father Abate Gobena, PhD of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church who is here to bless these relics of our revered Emperor. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has served as the repository of our heritage for centuries, and so it is only appropriate that it is represented here and gives its blessing.

It is my sincere hope that the work we continue to undertake together will ensure that future generations of Ethiopians – and indeed, all people – may encounter these artifacts not as distant relics, but as living connections to a shared human story.

May this moment serve as a reminder that through partnership, respect, and a shared commitment to truth, we can restore not only objects but also dignity, heritage, and mutual understanding.

Thank you all,

Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie

President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia

Patron of the Royal Ethiopian Trust

5 May 2026 / 27 ሚያዝያ 2018

I feel very honoured to extend my warmest and most respectful good wishes to you on this occasion during which you are celebrating the Ethiopian Victory over Fascism, as well as the legacy of the Right Honorable Dr. Melaku Bayen.

The Victory over Fascism was achieved at great cost in blood, tears and sacrifices of every kind. The five years of Italian Occupation were a great tribulation for the people of Ethiopia and for the Imperial family, and most of the powers of the world chose to look away for those five years until the war came to them. Yet just as my grandfather Emperor Haile Selassie stated in a statement from the gardens of his palace after he had returned to his capital in triumph, “Even in the 20^th century, with faith, courage, and a just cause, David will still beat Goliath.” Ethiopia achieved victory over evil thanks to the grace of her creator and for this we are eternally grateful.

Yet achieving this victory was a long and difficult road, and among the indispensable factors that kept the Ethiopian cause alive was the efforts of the Ethiopian World Federation led by Dr. Melaku Bayen. Dr. Melaku Bayen, a kinsman to the Ethiopian Imperial family, was tasked with mobilizing support for the Ethiopian cause. He worked tirelessly to inform our friends in the United States about the plight of Ethiopia under Fascist occupation. Sadly Dr. Melaku did not see the results of his efforts as he passed away on May 4^th, 1940. However, exactly one year and one day after his death, and on the exact 5^th anniversary of the day the Italians had occupied the city, my grandfather Emperor Haile Selassie re-entered Addis Ababa in triumph and hung the Imperial flag over the Menelik Palace, marking May 5^th as Victory Day which we continue to celebrate. This celebration honours the sacrifice of Dr. Melaku who died so young, leaving behind a young widow and son, but who fought for his motherland up to his last breath.

Today, as we remember the sacrifice of the Patriots who fought the occupation, and the Exiles who struggled to keep the fight for freedom nourished with influence, funds as well as prayers, we give thanks to Almighty God for the Victory achieved, and for the life of Dr. Melaku Bayen, a true son of Ethiopia and a true citizen of the world. May God bless Ethiopia and all who love her and may the soul of Melaku Bayen rest among the blessed.

Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia

30 April 2026 / 22 ሚያዝያ 2018

With great pleasure, the Crown Council of Ethiopia congratulates King Carl XVI Gustaf on the occasion of his 80^th birthday. Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie, President of the Crown Council, and his wife Princess Saba convey their warmest wishes to King Carl and wish him many more years of good health and happiness. His Majesty’s devoted and dutiful service to his people is an example to all, and the Ethiopian Crown Council heartily congratulates him on this milestone.

In a statement to the press, Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie noted, “Our countries and our royal families have long ties of friendship. Indeed, my grandfather Emperor Haile Selassie I first visited Sweden when he was Crown Prince back in 1924 and met with the king’s grandfather King Gustaf V Adolf. Princess Saba and I recall with great warmth our visit with King Carl and Queen Silvia in March of 2018.”

This week marks not only King Carl’s birthday but the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Sweden. The king himself has fondly recalled his visit to Ethiopia as a young naval officer and has in the intervening years always taken a keen interest in the well-being of Ethiopians living in their new home of Sweden.

26 April 2026 / 18 ሚያዝያ 2018 – The Crown Council of Ethiopia is honuored to reflect on a week of profound historical significance in Kingston, Jamaica, as we commemorated the 60^th Anniversary of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I’s 1966 State Visit. 

The celebrations kicked off on Groundation Day, April 21, at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre. The atmosphere was filled with cultural performances and deep reflection as the Rastafari community and the wider Jamaican public gathered to honor His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I’s arrival to Palisadoes Airport six decades ago.

The event featured a powerful lineup of speakers and performers, including a moving dramatic presentation by students from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. A highlight of the day was the reading of the official statement from the Crown Council of Ethiopia, delivered by member of the Society for the Imperial Ethiopian Orders and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Psychology, and Social Work at the University of West Indies, Dr. Michael Barnett, on behalf of the Crown Council’s President, HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie. The statement reaffirmed the “indestructible bonds of brotherhood” between the Ethiopian and Jamaican peoples and acknowledged the resilience of the Rastafari movement in preserving the Solomonic heritage and the Emperor’s legacy.

Distinguished Jamaican author, journalist, filmmaker, and cultural consultant Barbara Blake Hannah delivered remarks on behalf of the Jamaican Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports, the Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange.

The commemorations continued April 23 with the Inaugural Annual Haile Selassie High School Lecture at the Institute of Jamaica. Titled “From Vision to Institution: The Imperial Gift and its Impact,” the lecture celebrated the Emperor’s personal gift to the Jamaican people — the Haile Selassie I High School.
The event featured esteemed speakers and panelists, including: Barbara Blake-Hannah; Dr. Angela Brown-Burke, Member of Parliament for St. Andrew South Western; Mr. Steven Golding, President of the UNIA-ACL, who served as the Master of Ceremonies and shared his deep insights on Pan-African unity; and Mrs. Anjola Jones, Principal of Haile Selassie I High School, who spoke on the responsibility of preserving the Emperor’s educational legacy.

In a dedicated Statement to the Administration, Faculty, and Students of the Haile Selassie I High School, the Crown Council expressed its profound gratitude to the institution for serving as a “living monument” to His Imperial Majesty’s belief that education is the primary foundation for a free and enlightened society. The Crown Council specifically commended the generations of alumni and the steadfast dedication of the teaching staff who continue to shape the minds of the future in the heart of Kingston.

We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to Mrs. Yodit Hylton, Honorary Consul for Ethiopia in Jamaica, whose tireless work and leadership have been instrumental in bridging our two nations and ensuring the success of these events.
We also recognize the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which has served as a spiritual guardian of this legacy in Jamaica since the Emperor’s visit. As we look toward a future rooted in this shared history, we share the following words from the Consulate’s official address, which perfectly captures the spirit of this milestone:

“The legacy of the 1966 visit of His Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie, is alive mainly through the efforts of Rastafari, whose commitment to ‘Remembering the Moment’ and ‘Continuing the work’ of building Pan-Africanism is being demonstrated in this 60^th Anniversary Celebration.”

Watch the full events here:

Groundation Day 60^th Anniversary Celebration

   (https://www.youtube.com/live/4PzmnKqDB_M?si=vVzc8yfyTzDcGUZx)

Inaugural Annual Haile Selassie Lecture

   (https://www.youtube.com/live/qX6feG_HTUQ?si=pqFcYdbCqq_D0JeZ)

Six decades after a defining spiritual moment, Rastafari communities are pressing the country to move beyond symbolism towards enforceable rights and protections

Click image to visit link to the article on The Voice Online website

October 19, 1936 – March 22, 2026 / ጥቅምት ፱ ፡ ፲፱፻፳፱ – መጋቢት ፲፫ ፡ ፳፻፲፰ 

The Crown Council of Ethiopia expresses its great sorrow at the passing of Lij Kidane Wold Alemayehu. We hereby convey our sincere condolences to his widow Woizero Amasale Hailu, to his children, grandchildren, extended family, and loved ones.

Lij Kidane tirelessly served his country and his people from his youth up to the end of his life. Before leaving his country, he worked in the Ministries of Education and the Interior for 12 years. He then worked with the Imperial Telecommunications Board in several high-level posts and was awarded the Order of the Star of Honour of Ethiopia by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I for his service. After this, Lij Kidane worked with United Nations agencies for 28 years, in key developmental roles, in eleven different African and Middle Eastern countries.

After his retirement, Lij Kidane sought to address some unresolved issues of justice in Ethiopia. Among his efforts was his relentless campaign seeking an official apology and compensation from the Italian government and the Vatican for the atrocities committed against Ethiopia during the fascist invasion and occupation. He founded and led the international organization known as “The Global Alliance of Justice – The Ethiopian Cause,” thus showing his dedication to the cause of justice for Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

Lij Kidane was a very humble, respectful person, clothed in the mannerliness of a good Ethiopian. He strove tirelessly for his country.

May God repose the soul of Lij Kidane and comfort his family and loved ones.

---

የልጅ ኪዳነ ወልድ አለማየሁን ህልፈተ ሕይወት አስመልክቶ የተሰማንን ጥልቅ ሃዘን በዘውድ ምክር

ቤት ስም ለመግለጽ እንወዳለን። ለሚስታቸው ለወ/ሮ አምሳለ ሀይሉ፣ ለልጆቻቸውና የልጅ ልጆች እንዲሁም ለዘመድ አዝማድና ወገኖቻቸው ሁሉ መጽናናትን እንመኛለን።

ልጅ ኪዳኔ ደከመኝ ሰለቸኝ ሳይሉ ከወጣትነታቸው ጊዜ ጀምሮ ተግቶ በመስራት ሀገርና ወገኑን በታማኝነት አገልግለዋል። ከሀገራችን ሳይወጡ በፊት ለአስራ ሁለት ዓመታት ያህል በትምህርትና የሃገር ግዛት ሚኒስቴር ውስጥ ሰርቷል። ከዚያም በመቀጠል በኢትዮጵያ ንጉሠ ነገሥት መንግሥት ቴሌኮሙኒኬሽን ቦርድ በተለያየ ከፍተኛ የስልጣን እርከኖች ላይ በብቃት በማገልገላቸው በአጼ ኃይለ ሥላሴ “የኢትዮጵያ ክብር ኮኮብ” የተሰኘውን ሊሻን ማዕረግ ተሸልመዋል። ከዚያም በኋላ ለሃያ ስምንት ዓመታት በተባበሩት መንግሥታት በአፍሪካና መካከለኛው ምስራቅ በአስራ አንድ የተለያዩ ሀገሮች ውስጥ ወሳኝ በሆኑ ዘርፈ ብዙ የልማት ስራዎች ላይ በከፍተኛ ሃላፊነት ላይ ሆኖ ሰርተዋል። በጡረታ ዕድሜያቸው በሀገራችን ያልተቋጩ የፍትሕ ጥያቄዎች እየተበራከቱ በመምጣታቸው፣ ልጅ ኪዳኔ ባላቸው ዕውቀትና ችሎታ ለውጥ ለማምጣት የበኩላቸውን ድርሻ በሚገባ ተወጥተዋል። ከበርካታ ስራዎቻቸው አንዱ የዛሬ ዘጠና አንድ ዓመት በፊት የቀድሞ ፋሺስት ኢጣላያን መንግሥት ቫቲካንን ተገን አርጎ የቦምብ መርዝ በመጠቀም በኢትዮጵያና በኢትዮጵያዊያን ላይ ላደረሱት ዕልቂት፣ የጦር ወንጀሎች እንዲሁም የቅርስና የንብረት ማውደምና ማጥፋት ይቅርታ እንዲጠይቁና ተገቢውን ካሳ እንዲከፍሉ The Global Alliance for Justice – The Ethiopian Cause የተሰኘውን ዓለም አቀፋዊ ድርጅት በመምራት ለኢትዮጵያና ኢትዮጵያዊያን ፍትሕ ቋሚና ተሰላፊነታቸውን በመመስከር እንደ አንድ ኢትዮጵያዊ የዜግነት ድርሻቸውን በሚገባ ተወጥተዋል።

ልጅ ኪዳኔ በጣም ትሁት፣ ሰው አክባሪና ኢትዮጵያዊ ጨዋነትን የተላበሱ ግሩም ሰው ነበሩ። ደከመኝ ሰለቸኝ ሳይሉ ለሀገራቸው የሚቻላቸውን ሁሉ አድርጓል።

የልጅ ኪዳኔን ነፍሥ እግዚአብሔር ይማር፣ ለቀሪውም ቤተሰብ፣ ዘመድ አዝማድና ወዳጆች ሁሉ መጽናናትን ይስጥልን።

8 March 2026/29 የካቲት 2019

His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie on 29 የካቲት 2018 (8 March 2026), joins the international community in recognizing and celebrating International Women’s Day 2026.

On this auspicious occasion, the Ethiopian Crown Council also acknowledges and commends the indispensable work carried out by international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and private voluntary organisations that labour diligently to highlight and address the continuing legal, economic, and social inequalities faced by women and girls throughout the world.

This year’s theme, “Closing the Global Gender Gap,” serves as a timely and solemn reminder of the shared responsibility of governments, civil society, and the international community to advance policies and initiatives that ensure dignity, equality, opportunity, and justice for women and girls everywhere.

The Imperial House further recognizes the immeasurable contributions women have made — and continue to make — to the advancement of society in every sphere of human endeavour, including governance, diplomacy, education, science, culture, and humanitarian service. Their leadership, resilience, and wisdom remain essential to the promotion of peace, stability, and sustainable development across nations.

In this spirit, the Ethiopian Crown Council reaffirms its support for all efforts that promote the empowerment, protection, and full participation of women in civic, economic, and public life. The advancement of women and girls is not merely a matter of equity, but a fundamental pillar for the prosperity and progress of nations. On this International Women’s Day, we honour the achievements of women across the world and renew our commitment to fostering a future in which the rights, dignity, and aspirations of every woman and girl are fully realised.

7 March 2026/28 የካቲት 2019

3 March 2026 / 24 የካቲት 2018

 The Crown Council of Ethiopia, acting in its historic and constitutional capacity as the body appointed to advise the Emperor and, during an interregnum, to safeguard the authority and dignity of the Crown, issues the following statement in response to numerous inquiries concerning Mr. Estifanos Matewos, who has styled himself “Prince” and has asserted descent from Lij Eyasu.

We the Crown Council of Ethiopia, affirm that the governance of Imperial dignity and the lawful use of princely titles are not matters of personal declaration, but of constitutional order, sacred tradition, and dynastic law.

The Revised Constitution of the Empire of Ethiopia (1955), together with the Succession to the Throne and Crown Order (1974), clearly establishes the principles governing line of descent and the conferral of Imperial titles.

Article 2 of the Revised Constitution affirms that the Imperial dignity remains perpetually attached to the line of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, descending uninterrupted from the Solomonic Dynasty. Article 5 further establishes that succession is strictly lineal, passing through male descendants born in lawful wedlock, with the nearer line preceding the more remote and the elder before the younger.

Article 8 expressly provides that even under Regency, the authority to grant the title of Prince does not exist. The power to confer such dignity belongs solely to a reigning and seated Emperor. Article 16 defines the Imperial Family as the direct lineal ascendants and descendants of the Emperor, subject to constitutional requirements, and Article 17 places matters concerning the status and recognition of Princes within the constitutional framework of the Crown Council’s advisory role to the Emperor.

The Succession to the Throne and Crown Order (1974) further clarifies the defined and lawful line of succession and those entitled to royal style and precedence under the Constitution.

In light of these binding provisions, the Crown Council states the following:

1. Whether Mr. Estifanos Matewos may or may not be a biological descendant of Lij Eyasu is a private genealogical matter pertaining to the family concerned. The Crown Council neither investigates nor adjudicates private lineage claims.     
2. However, the use of the title “Prince of Ethiopia” is not determined by personal assertion, distant descent, or collateral lineage. Under Ethiopia’s Imperial Constitution and the ancient customs of the Solomonic Monarchy, princely dignity may arise only through:
   • Direct male-line descent within the constitutionally defined Imperial House; or
   • Explicit grant by a reigning and seated Emperor.
3. In the absence of a reigning Emperor, no authority exists to create, recognize, or validate new princely titles. Any such usage outside the constitutional framework of the Empire is without legal or traditional standing.

Accordingly, the Crown Council of Ethiopia does not recognize or accept the use of the title “Prince” by Mr. Estifanos Matewos. Such styling has no constitutional basis under Articles 2, 5, 8, 16, and 17 of the Revised Constitution, nor under the Succession to the Throne and Crown Order of 1974.

Until such time as a reigning Emperor is restored to the Throne of Ethiopia, all royal titles purportedly issued, adopted, or used outside the framework of the Imperial Constitution and the laws governing the Solomonic succession must be regarded as null and void in dignity and effect.

The Crown Council remains steadfast in its duty to preserve the integrity of Ethiopia’s Imperial heritage, to uphold the sanctity of the Solomonic line, and to ensure that the honors of the Empire are neither diminished nor misapplied.

19 February 2026 / 12 የካቲት 2018

 

To our brothers and sisters of the Adwa Movement of South Africa,

It is with great pleasure that I learned of your intention to commemorate the great victory at the Battle of Adwa, achieved under the leadership of the great Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia against the forces of European colonialism.  As you know, this victory was hard won on the blood of our ancestors.  Commemorating this event not only honors their sacrifice, but the sacrifice of all those who have laid down their lives in the cause of freedom.

The Victory at Adwa, beyond defeating the colonial ambitions of Italy, symbolizes much more.  In the Ethiopian and African context, it demonstrated that unity is strength, and that a united people will be victorious in the face of adversity.  It is to be noted that when Emperor Menelik II in his declaration of war said “you who are strong help me with your arms, you who are weak help me with your prayers” it was not just his Empress and his nobles who followed him north with their armies to confront the invader.  Even rebels and bandits put down their grievances to join him to repel the enemy and rushed northward to die for God, King and Country.  It is the perfect example of how unity is strength.

The Victory at Adwa not only established Ethiopia on the world stage and guaranteed recognition of her independence.  It also inspired a fire in the hearts of all Africans and people of African descent around the world.  It lit a spark that inspired Pan-Africanism, the independence movements across the continent, and the struggle for equality and respect for all people in Africa and the diaspora.  Adwa was the catalyst which launched the liberation of the oppressed and the eventual dismantling of European colonialism in Africa.  It inspired the efforts of my grandfather, Emperor Haile Selassie I and his government to work towards the establishment of the Organization of Arican Unity which is now the African Union.  It also inspired his dedication to the cause for freedom in South Africa fighting Apartheid and offering tangible support to Nelson Mandela in his struggle, including providing him with a passport and training.

So, as you celebrate the great Victory of Adwa, know that this is not just a victory for Ethiopia, but a victory for all Africans and all freedom loving people.  May the bonds that tie us together strengthen and may God bless Ethiopia, Africa, and all of you gathered to celebrate this day.

 Sincerely yours,

Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie