Ayalew Asres Wendim

Ayalew Asres Wendem (Amharic: አያሌው አስረስ ወንድም; 6 March 1923 – 28 June 2006) was an Ethiopian patriot, government official, and community leader who played a significant role in the resistance against the Italian occupation of Ethiopia and later in the development of various towns in the Gojjam region.
Ayalew Asres Wendem was born on 6 March 1923 (27 Yekatit 1915 in the Ethiopian calendar) in Gojjam Region, Kola Dega Damot province, Bure Shikudad district, Askuna Giorgis kebele. His father, Ato Asres Wendem, was killed in the war against the Italian invaders in April 1936, which deeply influenced young Ayalew's commitment to Ethiopian independence.
At the age of 13, Ayalew became involved in the patriotic resistance movement known as the Arbegnoch (Patriots). He participated in numerous battles against the Italian forces, including engagements around Dangila town, Tilili Fetam River crossing, and Fereda Fikre Yohannes. Ayalew's bravery was noted in several instances, particularly during a battle at Mistikan Mountain where he was wounded while attempting to capture an enemy rifle.
For his patriotic struggle, Ayalew was awarded the Patriot Medal with Three Palm Leaves and the Victory Star by Emperor Haile Selassie.
After the liberation of Ethiopia, Ayalew joined the Kebur Zabagna (Imperial Bodyguard) and served in Emperor Haile Selassie's palace for five years. He then returned to his birthplace and began a career in local government administration: Registry office writer for Bure town municipality (1946–1953), Founder and main secretary of Finote Selam town municipality (1953–1969), Mayor and judge of Bure town (1969–1977).
During his tenure, Ayalew made significant contributions to the development of Finote Selam and Bure towns, including organizing town layouts, establishing health centers and schools, improving irrigation systems, and creating marketplaces.
Ayalew ran for election to the Legal Advisory Council in 1976 and 1980 but was unsuccessful due to the biased electoral system of the time. Despite his long service and patriotic credentials, Ayalew faced several challenges, including limited recognition of his full patriotic service and a lack of service medals for his 36 years in government.
After retiring from government service in 1977, Ayalew became actively involved with the Ancient Ethiopia Patriots Association:
In this capacity, he contributed to various initiatives, including restoring the Patriots Memorial Day, reclaiming the patriots' building in Addis Ababa, and participating in the return of the Obelisk of Axum from Italy.
Ayalew was also active in religious and community affairs. He renovated and built several churches, including St. George Church in Askuna and St. George Church in Finote Selam. He facilitated cooperation between the Ancient Ethiopia Patriot Heroes and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Ayalew Asres Wendem married Mamite Fantahun in 1950 and had six children with her. He fathered a total of 22 children: 14 sons and 8 daughters, with different women.
Ayalew Asres Wendem passed away on 28 June 2006 at the age of 83. His funeral was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa, attended by friends, relatives, and high government officials. He was buried in the section reserved for Ethiopian patriot heroes.
Ayalew's life story reflects the complex history of Ethiopia during the 20th century, from resistance against foreign occupation to the challenges of nation-building and modernization. His contributions to local governance and development in the Gojjam region, as well as his lifelong commitment to honoring Ethiopia's patriotic legacy, make him a notable figure in modern Ethiopian history.
Ayalew Asres Wendem's life and work embody the complex transitions Ethiopia underwent during the 20th century. His experiences provide valuable insights into several key aspects of Ethiopian history:
Ayalew's life spans several crucial periods in Ethiopian history:
Ayalew's self-written autobiography, completed in 1998 E.C. (2006 Gregorian), serves as a valuable primary source for historians studying 20th-century Ethiopia. His detailed accounts of battles, local governance, and social changes provide a unique perspective on Ethiopian history.