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IOTL there were Russian attempts at colonizing in the Horn of Africa in what is now French Somaliland or Djibouti but these attempts failed.

Let’s say the Russians succeed in establishing this colony on the Horn of Africa, Russian Somaliland. They spend the next years cementing their control and spreading Orthodox Christianity amongst the native populace. While doing this, Russia establishes relations with the Orthodox Christian Ethiopian Empire. The Russians support Ethiopia in establishing a Christian Ethiopia under whatever Emperor. They send arms and advisors to assist in forming an Ethiopian Army as the Ethiopians get involved in the Italo-Ethiopian War. The Ethiopians win similarly to OTL except the Battle of Adwa is even more of a decisive victory as Italian forces are destroyed by Russian-trained Ethiopian forces. Eventually, the Ethiopians accept a Russo-Ethiopian Pact that sees a de-facto Russian protectorate being imposed on Ethiopia.

Much of the world’s events go as OTL as Ethiopia becomes more and more of a Russian colony over time. Soon enough, Ethiopia is integrated into the Russian Empire as an autonomous kingdom as the Emperor of Ethiopia establishes an Orthodox Christian kingdom where Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Christians dominate and Muslims have been reduced to a minority, 15-20% of the population. World War 1 happens similarly to OTL, as does the Russian Revolution and Civil War. A short Ethiopian Civil War sees the White forces prevail. A Russian government-in-exile under Grand Duke Nikolai is formed as remaining White leaders flee to Ethiopia. A military junta is established but the White junta attempts to establish a parliamentary democracy which is somewhat successful.

What happens next?

Thoughts? Ideas?
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