1888, January - Sack of Gondar

In January 1887, Negus Tekle Haymanot (a Vassal of Emperor Yohannes) defeated the Mahdists in a battle somewhere between Gedaref and Gallabat. As revenge, the next year, the Mahdists under the command of Abu Anga campaigned into Ethiopia with an Army 81,000 men strong. Their objective was the historical town of Gondar. Tekle Haymanot confronted them at Sar Weha (in Dembiya) on 18 January 1888 but was defeated. Joseph Ohrwalder, who witnessed the battle, stated that the forces of Tekle Haymanot fought with “the courage of lions” to protect their country and religion from the Muslim invaders, but were overwhelmed by the better disciplined Mahdist army. As a result of this loss, northwestern Ethiopia was open to the Mahdists who entered Gondar to plunder it. Many churches were burnt and pillaged, priests were thrown down from rooves and killed, many people were massacred, and hundreds of women and children were enslaved.

Key Details:

• Combatants: The battle was fought between the forces of Negus Tekle Haymanot of Gojjam and the Mahdist army led by Abu Anga that included a sizable contingent of Orcneas serving as shock troops.

• Objective: The Mahdists aimed to invade and plunder the historical town of Gondar, while Tekle Haymanot sought to defend his territory and repel the invaders.

• Outcome: Despite fighting with great courage, Tekle Haymanot's forces were overwhelmed by the better-disciplined Mahdist army supplemented by the ferocity of the Orcneas.  The defeat at Sar Weha left northwestern Ethiopia vulnerable to the Mahdists, who subsequently entered Gondar and caused significant destruction.

Aftermath:

• Plundering of Gondar: Following their victory at Sar Weha, the Mahdists and Orcneas plundered Gondar, burning churches, killing priests, and enslaving many women and children.

• Political Ramifications: The defeat strained the relationship between Emperor Yohannes IV and his vassals, as suspicions and blame were cast regarding the lack of reinforcements and support. Italy was surprisingly quiet about events, causing many to believe they had foreknowledge of the assaults and sought to use it for their own gain.

The Battle of Sar Weha was a significant event in the Mahdist War, highlighting the challenges faced by the Ethiopian Empire in defending its territory against the Mahdist forces.