Balcha Aba Nefso ( 1863 – 1936), also known by
his title as Dejazmach Balcha, was an accomplished Ethiopian general, who
served in both the First and Second Italo-Ethiopian Wars. He came from a
non-aristocratic background. Even so, he became a Provincial Governor (Shum)
and came to represent a provincial ruling elite who were often at odds with the
Ethiopian central government.
Balcha is believed to be of Oromo descent; 'Balcha' means 'taming, assimilating or making familiar with' in Afan Oromo. But there are also many Gurage People who use Oromo names because of their geographical assimilation with the Oromo.
He distinguished himself at the imperial court and showed particular skill in military exercises and theory. He made his reputation, according to oral tradition, in the Battle of Mek'ele,[2] and later at the Battle of Adwa (March 1, 1896), and was rewarded with elevation to the aristocratic status of dejazmach.[3]
From 1898 to 1908, Balcha was Shum of Sidamo province. After the death of Dejazmach Yilma Makonnen in 1907, he became the Shum of Harar from 1910 to 1914. From 1917 to 1928, he again served as Shum of Sidamo
Balcha is believed to be of Oromo descent; 'Balcha' means 'taming, assimilating or making familiar with' in Afan Oromo. But there are also many Gurage People who use Oromo names because of their geographical assimilation with the Oromo.
He distinguished himself at the imperial court and showed particular skill in military exercises and theory. He made his reputation, according to oral tradition, in the Battle of Mek'ele,[2] and later at the Battle of Adwa (March 1, 1896), and was rewarded with elevation to the aristocratic status of dejazmach.[3]
From 1898 to 1908, Balcha was Shum of Sidamo province. After the death of Dejazmach Yilma Makonnen in 1907, he became the Shum of Harar from 1910 to 1914. From 1917 to 1928, he again served as Shum of Sidamo
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