Makonnen Endelkachew

Ras Betwoded Makonnen Endelkachew (February 16, 1890 – February 27, 1963) was an Ethiopian aristocrat and Prime Minister under Emperor Haile Selassie. Makonnen was born in Addisge, the nephew of the noted Shewan general and politician Ras Betwoded Tessema Nadew, who introduced him to Emperor Menilek II. He was a member of the alpha class of the Menelik II School in Addis Adaba when it opened in 1908.

John Spencer describes Makonnen as "a mountain of a man, weighing nearly 300 pounds, and with a high-pitched voice." Despite this unimpressive appearance, Spencer notes "he was a particularly affable, indeed, gentle and kindly man, not given to the acerbities associated with sharp intelligence." He was a published author, having written a novel, and a booklet on the Second Italo-Abyssinian War and Fascist atrocities.

Ras Betwoded Makonnen Endelkachew should not be confused with his son, Endelkachew Makonnen who was also an Ethiopian political figure and Prime Minister.

Read more about Makonnen Endelkachew:  Life