Ato Mersha Nahusenay

Mersha Nahusenay
Mersha Nahusenay around 1900
Born	c. 1850 Shewa, Ethiopia
Died	c. 1937 Harar, Ethiopia
Occupation	Governor, Reformist, Pioneer of Modernization
Nationality	Ethiopian

Ato Mersha Nahusenay (c.1850 – c.1937) was a reformist and pioneer of change who made important contributions to the modernization and independence of Ethiopia. One of the closest advisors to Emperor Menelik II, he went on to become the founder and first governor of Dire Dawa, the second largest city in Ethiopia, and its environs (1902–1905). Prior to that he was governor of the strategic and frontier town of Jaldessa (Gildessa) where he also held the position of chief of customs. His public career lasted over three decades from the era of Menelik II until the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie. He was one of the most renowned Ethiopians of his time. He knew the French language and was open to European ideas and way of life earning him admiration abroad. His most enduring legacy is the construction, maintenance and security of the first railway which he oversaw at the request of the emperor. Mersha belongs to a generation of Ethiopians who took advantage of the stability created in the late 19th – early 20th century to implement a series of wide-ranging political, economic and social reforms the impact of which continues to be felt today.

Ato (Mr.) Mersha Nahusenay (አቶ መርሻ ናሁሠናይ) was born around 1850 near the town of Ankober, the former capital of Shewa.

According to oral history, Mersha came from a family of priests. His parents were strict followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox faith and religion played a central role in their life. Mersha's childhood was hence heavily influenced by events involving the Church where he was also baptized. Family lore further indicates that his father possessed a land given to him in return for the service he rendered to the church. In addition to holding lands, churches at the time received considerable assistance from the royal palace which they then used to provide key services to their members and communities, including the education of children. Thus Mersha was taught reading and writing at an early age and received traditional church education. Whether or not he had any siblings is unknown; however, the name Mersha in the Amharic language suggests that his parents were trying to forget a traumatic experience such as the loss of a previous child.

Growing up, Mersha spent a great deal of time on the farm with his parents. He traveled to various places within Shewa and beyond allowing him to interact with a diverse group of people and explore opportunities which existed for a career in a secular field. For example, he learned early on the importance of learning local as well as foreign languages. Beyond these sketchy details, little is known about Mersha’s early life at this point. It is unclear, for example, if he had royal ancestry. The fact that he was later married to the daughter of one of Menilek’s trusted servants suggests, however, that the family had close ties to the palace.