10 Facts About Balcha Safo

Dejazmach Balcha Safo, popularly referred to by his horse-name Abba Nefso, was an Ethiopian military commander and lord protector of the crown, who served in both the First and Second Italo-Ethiopian Wars.

Balcha Safo made his reputation, according to oral tradition, at the Battle of Adwa, and was rewarded with elevation to the aristocratic status of Dejazmach.

Balcha Safo was later a key member of the conservative provincial elite who, in the 1920s, were often at odds with the modernising reforms and rising power of the Regent, Ras Tafari Makonnen.

Balcha Safo's ethnicity is disputed with some sources claiming that he was an ethnic Gurage and others claiming he was an ethnic Oromo.

Balcha Safo came to the notice of Emperor Menelik II who brought him back to Addis Ababa where he was educated.

Balcha Safo distinguished himself at the imperial court and showed particular skill in military exercises and theory.

Balcha Safo made his reputation during the First Italo-Ethiopian War when he served as the chief gunner of the Ethiopian artillery.

From 1898 to 1908, Balcha Safo was Shum of Sidamo province.

Balcha Safo promised a peaceful transition to the empress and laid down his sword, which was the traditional way of giving up his power in respect to the Empress.

The enemy went to where his Excellency Dejazmatch Balcha Safo lived, and campaigned against him.