Menelik II, Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 to 1913, faced several challenges and criticisms during his reign. It's important to note that perspectives on his successes and failures vary. Some argue that he failed certain groups or in specific areas:

• Ethiopian Unity: While Menelik II is credited with expanding and unifying Ethiopia, his expansionist policies sometimes involved the subjugation of other ethnic groups. Some groups were incorporated through conquest, which caused long-term resentment. britannica.com
• Slavery: Despite efforts to curb the slave trade, slavery persisted in Ethiopia during his reign. The complete eradication of slavery faced resistance due to economic and social factors. jstor.org
• Modernization Limitations: While Menelik II introduced modernization projects like railways, schools, and infrastructure, the pace and extent of these changes were sometimes seen as limited. Modernization did not always reach all parts of the empire equally. oxfordre.com

Different groups within Ethiopian society and historians may have varying opinions on whether Menelik II "failed" them. His legacy is complex and subject to interpretation.