Camp Gagnon Podcast Summary: "Haile Selassie: The Man Who Accidentally Became God"
Host: Mark Gagnon
Guest: Joe Averman
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Introduction to Haile Selassie [00:00 - 05:00]
Mark Gagnon opens the episode by introducing Haile Selassie, detailing his remarkable journey from a young Ethiopian noble to the emperor revered by millions in the Rastafarian movement. Mark sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Selassie's life, highlighting his significant contributions and complex legacy.
Notable Quote:
"This is the unlikely story of the man who went from flesh and blood to a messiah."
— Mark Gagnon [00:00]
Early Life and Rise to Power [05:01 - 15:00]
The discussion delves into Selassie's early years, born in 1892 as Lij Tafari Makonnen in Jarsa Goro, Ethiopia. Coming from the prestigious Solomonic dynasty, Selassie's lineage traced back to King Solomon, granting him significant status and influence from a young age. His father, Ras Makonnen, served as the governor of Harar and was an advisor to Emperor Menelik II, positioning Tafari for future leadership.
Notable Quote:
"He is of the most noble blood of all the people. The most high, truly."
— Joe Averman [10:15]
Modernization Efforts [15:01 - 25:00]
Under Emperor Menelik II, Ethiopia underwent significant modernization, including infrastructure development like roads, railways, and the establishment of Addis Ababa as the capital. Menelik's alliance with Russia aimed to strengthen Ethiopia's military and economic standing, laying the groundwork for Tafari's future role.
Notable Quote:
"He builds up the capital, Addis Ababa... They start an alliance with the Russians to modernize the country."
— Mark Gagnon [18:30]
Conflict with Italy and the Italo-Ethiopian War [25:01 - 40:00]
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italy sought to expand its colonies in Africa, leading to tensions with Ethiopia. The Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1936) was a pivotal moment where Italy, under Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia. Despite initial successes by Ethiopian forces under Selassie, the Italians, reinforced by General Pietro Badoglio and employing brutal tactics like poison gas, eventually overran Addis Ababa in 1936.
Notable Quote:
"He pulls up on him. The Italians invade Ethiopia... And by May 5, 1936, the Italians arrive in Addis Ababa."
— Joe Averman [35:50]
Exile and International Advocacy [40:01 - 55:00]
Following the fall of Addis Ababa, Selassie fled to England, where he appealed to the League of Nations to condemn Italian aggression. His impassioned speech on May 12, 1936, criticized fascism and highlighted the League's ineffectiveness, ultimately leading to his house arrest. Despite his efforts, the League did little to assist Ethiopia, underscoring the complexities of international politics during that era.
Notable Quote:
"He condemns the rise of fascism and Italy's use of poison gas... He was later named Time magazine's Man of the Year."
— Mark Gagnon [45:20]
Restoration and Continued Modernization [55:01 - 1:10:00]
With the outbreak of World War II and shifting alliances, British support enabled Selassie to return to Ethiopia in 1941, reclaiming his throne. He continued his modernization efforts, introducing the 1931 constitution and later reforms inspired by Western democracies. Selassie's leadership positioned Ethiopia as a founding member of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity.
Notable Quote:
"He announces the liberation of the country from Italy and is heralded as a symbol of African independence."
— Joe Averman [1:00:30]
Ethnic Tensions and Internal Struggles [1:10:01 - 1:30:00]
Despite modernization, Ethiopia grappled with deep-seated ethnic divisions among groups like the Oromo, Amhara, and Tigrayans. Selassie's attempts at ethnic federalism aimed to address these tensions but were only partially successful. Famines in the 1950s and 1960s exacerbated unrest, particularly in the Tigray region, leading to international humanitarian crises.
Notable Quote:
"The Tigrayans were the most hostile towards the government... Estimated that 100,000 people died in the Tigray famine."
— Mark Gagnon [1:20:45]
Decline and Overthrow by the Derg [1:30:01 - 1:45:00]
By the 1970s, Selassie's regime faced mounting challenges, including continued ethnic strife, famine, and political dissent. In 1974, the military junta known as the Derg orchestrated a coup, removing Selassie from power. Although the official cause of death was reported as respiratory failure, many believe he was killed by the Derg. His overthrow marked the end of the Ethiopian monarchy and the beginning of a prolonged civil war.
Notable Quote:
"The Derg removed Emperor Haile Selassie from power in September 1974... His remains were buried under a concrete slab and later moved to the Holy Trinity Cathedral."
— Joe Averman [1:40:30]
Legacy and Rastafarianism [1:45:01 - 2:00:00]
Haile Selassie's legacy is multifaceted. Internationally, he is celebrated for his role in African independence and his advocacy against fascism. In the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, Selassie became a central figure in Rastafarianism, viewed by followers as a messianic figure or the second coming of Christ. This religious movement intertwines Selassie's identity with cultural and spiritual significance, influencing music, art, and social movements globally.
Notable Quote:
"Rastafarianism sees him as a messiah, potentially even the second coming of Christ."
— Mark Gagnon [1:55:10]
Conclusion and Reflections [2:00:01 - End]
Mark and Joe reflect on Selassie's enduring impact, acknowledging both his achievements and the controversies surrounding his rule. They discuss the ongoing ethnic tensions in Ethiopia and the persistent influence of Rastafarianism. The episode concludes with a tribute to the resilience of the Ethiopian people and a hope for future harmony.
Notable Quote:
"And the Rastafarians are still a real thing, believing he was the Messiah, even though people in the country are like, no."
— Joe Averman [1:58:45]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Camp Gagnon offers a comprehensive look into Haile Selassie's life, his contributions to Ethiopia and the world, and the complex legacy he left behind. Through engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, Mark Gagnon and Joe Averman provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of one of Africa's most influential leaders.