Mutara II Rwogera vs Zewditu

Mutara II Rwogera ascended to the Rwandan throne amid a succession dispute. Rival claimants challenged his rule, leading to internal conflict. He consolidated power by defeating opponents and securing loyalty from key chiefs.

Mutara II Rwogera implemented administrative reforms to strengthen royal control over regional chiefs. He reduced the power of autonomous local rulers, centralizing governance and increasing the mwami's authority across Rwanda.

Mutara II Rwogera expanded the ubuhake cattle clientage system, binding nobles and commoners to the king through cattle loans. This system reinforced social hierarchies and economic dependencies, strengthening the monarchy's economic base.

Zewditu was crowned Empress of Ethiopia, becoming the first female head of state in modern Africa. Her reign was marked by a power-sharing arrangement with Regent Ras Tafari Makonnen (later Haile Selassie), who managed most government affairs.

Forces loyal to Empress Zewditu, led by her husband Ras Gugsa Welle, were defeated by the army of Regent Ras Tafari at the Battle of Anchem. The defeat ended the rebellion against Tafari's modernization policies and consolidated his power.

Empress Zewditu died shortly after the Battle of Anchem, under circumstances that remain disputed. Some accounts suggest she died of shock or illness upon hearing of her husband's defeat, while others imply possible poisoning. Her death paved the way for Haile Selassie's coronation.