Stolen crown returned to Ethiopia

An 18th century crown found in a suitcase in the attic of an apartment in The Netherlands has been returned to Ethiopia after it was stolen 21 years ago.

Sirak Asfaw, an Ethiopian who lives in The Netherlands, discovered the crown when a visitor came to stay.

Upon realising what it was, he kept hold of it until Prime Minister Abiy was elected, at which point he contacted the Dutch authorities to arrange for its safe return.

Prime Minister Abiy tweeted photos of him receiving the crown from a Dutch delegation, including Sigrid Kaag, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

The crown is thought to be one of just 20 in existence.

It was likely gifted to a church by the once powerful warlord Welde Sellase, who ruled Abyssinia from 1788 – 1816.

It has depictions of the Holy Trinity, Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit, as well as intricate carvings of Jesus’ disciples.

Photo: Twitter/Abiy Ahmed Ali