Our Beloved Princess Gelila: A Loss Felt Across the Imperial Family and the Ethiopian Community

On the day following the historic meeting between TEWFI International Executive Council (IEC) and HIH Prince Ermias, the IEC learned with profound sadness of the passing of Her Imperial Highness Gelilamariam Fesseha Gebre-Selassie,

It is with deep sorrow that The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated acknowledge the transition of Princess Gelila on the historic date of December 9, 2025.

Princess Gelila was the wife of HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie and mother of the Prince’s sons:

• H.I.H. Prince Christian Ermias Sahle-Selassie
  
• H.I.H. Prince Rufael Ermias Sahle-Selassie
  

She was the daughter of the late Ethiopian Supreme Court Justice Afenigus Fesseha Gebre-Selassie and Wozero Asselefech, and the niece of Professor Asrat Woldeyes, renowned surgeon and prominent opposition leader during the post-Derg era.

Princess Gelila remains internationally respected and admired for her humanitarian heart and unwavering commitment to human rights. She courageously advocated for political prisoners during the EPRDF regime, using her voice to highlight injustice and demand accountability. She played a major role in the international campaign for the release of her uncle, Professor Asrat, and tirelessly championed the rights of prisoners of conscience.

Her legacy is one of compassion, courage, and devotion to the Ethiopian people.

May The Almighty comfort His Imperial Highness, their children, her mother, her siblings, Ethiopians at home and abroad, and all who loved her.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, may her example be a guide to excellence, and may memories of her life well lived, grant comfort to our International community grieving in solidarity.  The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated will host a dedication to her memory on July 15th, 2026, the day before our annual International Convention being held in New York City.