Conflict: | Battle of Konzula |
Date: | 4 October 1839 |
Place: | Konzula, Ethiopia |
Result: | Victory for Goshu Zewde's army
|
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]