Bale Revolt

The Bale Revolt or the Bale Peasant Movement (1963–1970) was a guerrilla war in the southeastern Ethiopian province of Bale led by the local Somali and Oromo population. The revolt targeted the settlement of the Amhara people and feudalistic system in place in the Ethiopian Empire.^[1]

Background

1960 Ethiopian Military Coup

On 13 December 1960, an attempt was made to overthrow Emperor Haile Selassie. The Coup took place after the emperor left Ethiopia on a trip to Brazil. In the beginning of the revolt, rebels captured the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa and kidnapped the Ethiopian prince, 20 cabinet members, and many predominant politicians.^[2] In early stages, the coup was supported by the Imperial Guard. The Imperial Guard soon turned on the Coup after the return of Emperor Haile on 17 December 1960. The forces of the Imperial Guard soon recaptured the city of Addis Ababa and freed government captives. The Coup from that point on was considered a failure.

Today, some sources argue the 1960 Ethiopian Coup was the first major questioning of the Ethiopian government.^[3]

Ethiopian Student Movement

The movement began in the early 1960s. University students in Ethiopia questioned the government and monarchical rule. The small rebellion turned into a full-fledged student movement by 1967.^[4] Protesters were often determined to destroy and dismantle the entrenched feudal order to significantly improve the political and economic modernization of Ethiopia.^[5] Many protesters partook in frequent and violence-oriented verbal attacks on African governments for their corruption and abuse of power.^[6]

The movement ended in 1974. After the conclusion of the movement, the 1974 Ethiopian Civil War began soon after.

Revolt

The revolt is believed to have started as a result of many peasants in the southeastern region of Ethiopia, primarily composed of Somali tribesmen and the Oromo people, refusing to pay taxes and allow access to land to the Ethiopian government. The peasants also had strong opposition of the settlement of the Amhara people in Bale.^[7]

The revolt was led by Oromo leader and rebel figure Waqo Gutu and supported by the Somali government. Waqo Gutu is believed to have started the rebellion when he received no government aid after a conflict over grazing rights. After receiving no aid, he went to Somalia to supply himself and other rebels with weapons.^[8]

In 1969 Somalia withdrew support for the rebellion after changing government. Soon after, an agreement was reached with the Ethiopian government and many predominant Oromo leaders were pardoned marking the end of the conflict.

References