Selemaw XIV of Kembesa
| Selemoni XIV Yegidoni | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Elect of God • Ruler of Kembesa | |
| Reign | December 11, 1986 – present |
| Coronation | January 1, 1987 |
| Predecessor | Selemoni XIII Yegidoni |
| Born | Selemoni Selemoni 17 February 1959 Hagērī Palace, Azwa, Kembesa |
| Spouse | Enīqoqīho Hari |
| Issue | Kwastantinos Selemoni Kaleb Selemoni Yohon Selemoni |
| House | Yegidonochi |
| Father | Selemoni XIII Yegidoni |
| Mother | Jēsīka Haralidi |
| Religion | Kembesan Orthodox Church |
Selemoni XIV Yegidoni (born February 17, 1959), is the monarch of the Kingdom of Kembesa. The Kembesan title for the monarch "Seyoume Igziabeher" translates directly to "Elect of God", though it is more frequently simplified to "King". In his early adulthood, Colonel Selemoni Selemoni was a career soldier in the Kembesan Elect Army.
King Selemoni acceded to the throne of Kembesan following the abdication of his father in December 1986. His early reign was marked by military interventions in neighbouring countries and conservative reforms within Kembesa. In the subsequent decades, King Selemoni has enacted and maintained protectionist economic policies as well as an anti-socialist agenda. The monarch's reign has been contested by liberal reformist politicians as well as several domestic terrorist campaigns.
In recent years, King Selemoni has retreated from public life, though he continues to carry through his governmental duties behind the walls of Hagērī Palace in Azwa. The monarch's last public appearance was in 2017 and most decrees and edicts are delivered through the palace's press office and messages to the royal councils.
Early life and education
Selemoni Selemoni was born on February 17, 1959, during the reign of his uncle King Isayasi III. After the passing of his uncle without issue in 1966, Selemoni's father was crowned ruler of Kembesa. Selemoni had grown up in the royal palace but his life quickly changed after being thrust into the role of heir apparent. The elder King Selemoni was forced to detach from his son to attend to his new duties and after the sudden passing of his mother in 1972, the young Selemoni connected most with his tutors.
At 14 years of age, the young Selemoni was sent to the Junior Military College of Saint Joriji at Kebera to continue his education. Many of the tutors from his youth followed him during this move but his family remained at the palace in the capital. After four years, Selemoni graduated with honours and enrolled in advanced placement with the Elect Army Officer Academy. He graduated and was commissioned a lieutenant in the T’ori'seyoum, or ground army, of Kembesa one year later.
Military service
Lieutenant Selemoni Selemoni served with the 12th Cavalry Regiment commanding a troop of tanks for a single year before being promoted to captain of his company. While Kembesa was not at war during this era, there was a period of civil unrest and the 12th Cavalry was frequently out on manoeuvers and parades to maintain order and confidence in the regime. After another year, the young captain was put on an advanced track for promotion to the rank of major.
In 1981, the leadership of the ground army and the air force launched a coup attempt against King Selemoni XIII. Captain Selemoni was briefly imprisoned by the rebel officers but was rescued and assumed the rank of brevet-major. In this role, Captain Selemoni launched several successful operations against the rebel officers. After the coup was prevented, Captain Selemoni's brevet rank was affirmed and during the reorganization of Kembesa's military in 1982, he was again promoted to the rank of colonel and placed in command of the 12th Cavalry.
At some time in 1983, Colonel Selemoni was transferred to the Tebaki'seyoum where he worked at a high level in what was, in effect, a secret police force. This work brought him back to the capital and he was able to work closely with his father again. As King Selemoni XIII began to strain with his duties, Colonel Selemoni began to assume several of his father's obligations before the latter abdicated in favour of his son in 1986.