Colonialism Makonnen Uoldemica鑜; known as Ras Makonnen; or with his name knight Abba Qagnew (May 9; 1852 - March 21; 1906); Ethiopian military and political; had a prominent role in the war in Abyssinia between the Empire and the United of Italy; during which he commanded the vanguard of the main Ethiopian army; He won the battle of Amba Alagi December 7; 1895 and contributed to the siege of Mekele in January 1896; and then play a significant role in the great Ethiopian victory at the Battle of Adwa; battle that decided the campaign in favor of the empire. Temporarily succeeded in Ras Mangasci?in the government of the Tigray region after removal of the latter; hostile to Menelik. "The events of Africa. Ras Makonnen entrance in Makall?. Drawing E. Zanetti on the back cover of "La Tribuna Illustrated Sunday"; Italy 1899