Battle of Konzoula explained

Conflict:Battle of Konzula
Date:4 October 1839
Place:Konzula, Ethiopia
Result:Victory for Goshu Zewde's army
  • Lij Yilma and Lij Makonnen are taken prisoner
Combatant1:Army of Gojjam
Combatant2:Loyalists to the sons of Kenfu Hailu
Commander1:Goshu Zewde
Birru Goshu
Commander2:Lij Yilma
Lij Makonnen
Strength1:~30,000
Strength2:~30,000
Casualties1:200
Casualties2:1000

The battle of Konzula was a military conflict which took place during the period of the "Zemene Mesafint" between Dejazmach Goshu, prince of Gojjam, and his son Birru against the sons of Dejazmach Kenfu.[1]

Dejazmach Kenfu was the governor of Dembiya, subordinated to Ras Ali. Upon his death, Ras Ali decided to return the region to the government of Birru Goshu, the son of Goshu Zewde. The sons of Kenfu, Lij Yilma and Lij Makonnen rebelled and confronted the troops of Birru on October 4, 1839.[2]

This battle was short and not very lethal, the troops of Goshu Zewde quickly gained the advantage. The right wing was led by Birru Goshu who managed, even if surrounded by the opposing army, to firmly maintain the infantry. The left wing was however broken by incessant charges led by the cavalry of the sons of Kenfu, but the army of Goshu succeeded in defeating the center of the opposing army which resulted in the flight of the latter.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Book: d'Abbadie, Arnaud. Douze ans de séjour dans la Haute Éthiopie. Hachette. 1868.
  2. Book: d'Abbadie, Arnaud. Douze ans de séjour dans la Haute-Éthiopie. Hachette. 1868. 406.
  3. Book: d'Abbadie, Arnaud. Douze ans de séjour dans la Haute-Éthiopie. Hachette. 1868. 444.