The British Sudan and western frontiers of Ethiopia: Encroachment on and cooperation in Benishangul, 1898-1908

Abstract

Following the 1884-85 Berlin Conference, the European colonial powers gave legal cover for their effective control over African nations including territories neighboring Ethiopia. To the west of Ethiopia, the Sudan was ruled by the British. Thus, the potential aggression by the British colonialist rulers of the Sudan threatened emperor Menelik. Therefore, the relation between the British Sudan and Ethiopia, in relation to the Benishangul area, was characterized by this threatening atmosphere. Moreover, the imperial government of Ethiopia wanted the western lands mainly the Aqoldi, Homosha and Belashangul sheikdoms found to the south of the Blue Nile River for their natural resources like gold, slaves and ivory and for their geographic proximity to the Blue Nile River. Thus, the three sheikdoms became incorporated into the Ethiopian empire in 1898. After the incorporation, fearing the potential encroachments of the British Sudan, two domestic measures were taken by the emperor. Firstly, Sheik Abdurrahman Hojele of Belashangul, sheik Mahmud Mohamed of the Homosha and sheik Hojele Al Hassen of Aqoldi sheikdoms were detained. The first two sheiks were detained due to their attempts of resistance during the incorporation process. The last sheik, on the other hand, was suspected of secret negotiation with the British Sudan. Secondly, from 1898 to 1903, the areas came under Ras Demisew Nesibu, who was carefully selected and appointed to solve Ethiopia’s fear of British encroachment. In this period, Britain itself began to worry about Ethiopia’s further encroachment upon the Sudan and requested for a border agreement on the basis of “Effective Occupationâ€. From 1903 to 1908, the three sheikdoms came under the direct rule of the Leqa Neqemte governors. This period was characterized by British encroachment upon Ethiopia’s borders to exploit the natural resources. Similarly, this period saw population movement to the British Sudan from Ethiopia’s borders. On the other hand, the two administrations made a joint venture in the region although it failed in a short period due to strict controlling mechanisms that Ethiopia had. British encroachment, population movements and mining cooperation between the British Sudan and the Ethiopian empire in the region were not adequately covered in the existing literature. This article aims at filling this gap. In conducting this research work, qualitative method of research was employed. Moreover, archival materials, oral information and secondary sources were utilized.