Marshal Fahim vs Mikael of Wollo

As a senior commander of the Northern Alliance, Fahim led forces in the campaign to overthrow the Taliban regime in Afghanistan following the US-led invasion. His troops captured key cities including Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul, contributing to the collapse of Taliban rule.

After the fall of the Taliban, Fahim was appointed Minister of Defense in the interim Afghan administration led by Hamid Karzai. He held this position from 2001 to 2004, overseeing the formation of the new Afghan National Army and security forces.

Fahim faced allegations of human rights violations, including involvement in massacres during the 1990s civil war and corruption. International organizations and Afghan critics accused him of maintaining private militias and obstructing disarmament, contributing to ongoing instability.

Fahim was selected as running mate for President Hamid Karzai in the 2009 Afghan presidential election. He served as First Vice President from November 2009 until his death in 2014, a position that placed him at the center of post-Taliban governance.

Mikael, originally an Oromo Muslim noble named Mohammed Ali, converted to Christianity and adopted the name Mikael. He allied with Emperor Yohannes IV, who appointed him Ras of Wollo, making him a key regional power broker.

Ras Mikael commanded a large contingent of Oromo cavalry at the Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopian forces decisively defeated the Italian army. His troops played a crucial role in the victory, which secured Ethiopian independence.

Mikael supported his grandson, Lij Iyasu, as heir to Emperor Menelik II. After Menelik's death, Mikael became a powerful regent, but Iyasu's controversial policies led to his deposition in 1916, weakening Mikael's position.