Ethiopia and Italy Diplomacy

Is a treaty signed in the small Ethiopian town of Wuchale in northern Ethiopia located about 40 km north of Dessie in the Southern Wollo Zone of the Amhara Region, from which the treaty got its name. The treaty signed between the Ethiopian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy. The signing parties were Emperor Menelik II on behalf of Ethiopia, and Count Pietro Antonelli representing Italy, on 2 May 1889. The purpose of the treaty was to promote friendship and trade among the two countries. It was a treaty to maintain a positive long lasting relationship between the two empires. Wuchale Article XVII differs between Italian and Amharic. On the one hand, the Italian text indicates Ethiopia must communicate with Italy if negotiations occur with other European powers. On the other hand, the Amharic text considers Ethiopia an Italian protectorate (Berkeley, 1902).

The relationship between Ethiopia and Italy began civil in 1876, with a mission of the Italian Geographical society headed by Marquis Orazio Antinori to Shewa, Ethiopia. As a result of that visit the Italians acquired land, Let Marafya, for their future geographical exploration. The Italians eventually offered to supply an agent to Assab who would buy firearms for Emperor Menelik II. Italians began to colonize and moved into the hinterland. They established military garrisons at Dogali and Sahati. Recognizing a breach of agreement and in response, the Ethiopian army sent 5000 soldiers to Sahati. Surprised and intimidated by the display of power, the Italians retreated to their garrisons.