A Statement by His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, President of the Crown Council
The Crown Council of Ethiopia has watched with concern the rise of divisions within our beloved country, even as Ethiopians have been celebrating the great unifying event of the anniversary of Emperor Menelik II’s Victory at Adwa 122 years ago.
It is not for the Crown to interfere with, or determine, political positions in Ethiopia. The late Emperor Haile Selassie I was committed to introducing a separation between the Crown and the Government, so that the People would be free to choose the political governance of the State.
But the Crown Council reiterates its position that the Ethiopian Crown has never abandoned its commitment and duty to the Ethiopian People, as well as to the State, which is our collective home and legacy, regardless of the coup of 1974 and the subsequent regicide of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I.
The Ethiopian Crown, through its Crown Council, wishes to make clear that it is, and always has been, ready to help mediate and stabilize social relations within our country. We serve all Ethiopians, regardless of race, religion, or location, just as we serve the cause of the territorial integrity of our State.
It is the duty and mission of the Crown to represent the unity and prestige of our unique assembly of societies, which together reflect more than three millennia of shared history, including the unbroken Solomonic lineage. To the Ethiopian People we say: We have never left you. We are ready to serve. We are committed to Ethiopian Democracy, and justice for all, and to respect the absolute right of Ethiopians to choose their own political destiny. The role of governance is for the People to choose. The role of the Crown is to safeguard that right.
