Ethiopia stands as a powerful symbol of resistance against European colonialism. While the Berlin Conference of 1884- 1885 sought to divide and exploit Africa, Ethiopia remained defiant, becoming the only African nation to defeat a European power during the colonial era. This victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896 not only secured Ethiopia’s sovereignty but also inspired other African nations to resist colonial rule, serving as a beacon of hope for a continent struggling against European domination.
On November 15, the world marked the 140th anniversary of the Berlin Conference, a historic event that reshaped Africa’s destiny. The Berlin Conference, orchestrated by European powers without any African representation, aimed to draw the attention of the world to the colonization of Africa, to legitimize it, and establish a framework for its process.
This conference, held from November 15, 1884 to February 26, 1885, saw fourteen nations, including major European powers like Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal, come together to devise a unified strategy for partitioning Africa. This blatant disregard for African sovereignty and self-determination ignited widespread resistance across the continent. The resulting Berlin Act of February 1885 established rules for colonization and trade, including territorial claims and guarantees of free trade in the Congo Basin.
The conference resulted in the partitioning of the continent based on European interests rather than respecting existing African political or cultural boundaries. These manufactured divisions sowed seeds of discord, while imposed narratives and mis-education fractured African identities and fostered discontent. This legacy of division continues to shape Africa’s struggles with political instability, economic disparities, and identity crises.
While Ethiopia’s resistance stands out for its military success, it was part of a broader tapestry of African defiance against colonial encroachment. For example, the Ashanti Empire in West Africa fiercely resisted British annexation through prolonged conflicts. Similarly, in Southern Africa, the Zulu Kingdom, under King Cetshwayo kaMpande, achieved a resounding, though temporary, victory against British forces at the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879. These examples, alongside others like the resistance led by Samori Ture against the French, demonstrate the continent-wide determination to preserve autonomy and resist exploitation. Other notable resistance movements include Sheikh Abdille Hassan in Somalia, Umar al-Mukhtar in Libya, the Maji Maji Rebellion (1905–1907) in present-day Tanzania, and the Mahdist Revolt (1881–1899) in Sudan. These struggles blended cultural traditions and military strategies to safeguard sovereignty and justice.
Ethiopia’s resistance, however, was tested by betrayal even before the Berlin Conference concluded. On February 5, 1885, Britain violated the Treaty of Adwa, also known as the Treaty of Hewett—an agreement signed on June 3, 1884, between Britain, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The treaty had granted Emperor Yohannes IV control over the Red Sea port of Massawa to facilitate Ethiopian trade and the withdrawal of stranded Egyptian troops, with Britain pledging to protect Ethiopia’s rights.
However, Britain handed Massawa over to Italy in a calculated move to block French expansion and secure Italy as an ally in the Red Sea. This blatant violation marginalized Ethiopia’s role in regional trade, restricted its access to the sea, and undermined its sovereignty. Emperor Yohannes IV protested fervently, but international powers ignored Ethiopia’s objections, prioritizing imperial agendas.
This treachery planted the seeds of a conflict that would ultimately culminate at Adwa—the very place where the treaty was signed—decisively shattering Europe’s colonial dream of total domination over the African continent. Italy, emboldened by its foothold in Massawa, sought to expand its influence in the region, but Ethiopia’s resolve remained unyielding.
Tensions escalated in January 1887 when Ethiopian forces, led by Ras Alula, defeated an Italian force near Saati at the Battle of Dogali. This victory demonstrated Ethiopia’s steadfast determination to resist colonial encroachment. This resistance reached its pinnacle on March 1, 1896, at the landmark Battle of Adwa, where Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul led Ethiopia to a decisive victory over the Italians, effectively bringing an end to the height of Africa’s partition era, which spanned from 1885 to 1895. This triumph not only secured Ethiopia’s sovereignty but also became a powerful symbol of resistance, inspiring anti-colonial movements across Africa and proving that European dominance could indeed be challenged.
However, European powers continued their attempts to undermine Ethiopian sovereignty, even after their defeat at Adwa. In 1906, France, Italy, and Britain signed the Tripartite Treaty. This treaty, ostensibly aimed at resolving commercial disputes, was in reality a plan to further control the Red Sea coastline and limit Ethiopia’s access to the sea, repercussions that persist to this day.
Despite these challenges, Ethiopia’s preserved independence played a crucial role in shaping Africa’s future. Under Emperor Haile Selassie’s leadership, Ethiopia overcame Fascist Italy’s occupation and emerged as a central force in the decolonization movement. The establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, headquartered in Addis Ababa, marked a major milestone in promoting African unity and cooperation. The OAU facilitated diplomatic efforts, supported liberation movements, and provided a platform for African nations to address shared challenges. Its successor, the African Union (AU), continues this legacy, championing Pan-Africanism, economic integration, and peace building initiatives.
While Africa continues to grapple with the challenges stemming from the Berlin Conference’s legacy, there are signs of hope. Pan-African initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, are fostering economic integration and boosting intra- African trade. A dynamic and determined youth is leading technological innovations, transforming industries, and creating new opportunities. Efforts to build equitable partnerships that respect Africa’s agency are gaining momentum, paving the way for self-reliance and empowerment.
As we commemorate the 140th anniversary of the Berlin Conference and the Treaty of Adwa, we honor the courage and vision of leaders like Yohannes IV, Menelik II, Haile Selassie I, and countless others who defied colonial domination. Their legacy demonstrates that even in the face of overwhelming power, freedom, resilience, and the spirit of self-determination can prevail.
To truly honor their legacy, we must learn from our history, embrace authentic African perspectives, dismantle the structures of colonial legacies, and advocate for policies that prioritize equity and justice. Championing Pan- African unity and fostering cooperation are essential for building a future rooted in justice, solidarity, and enduring peace. By reclaiming Africa’s narratives, decolonizing knowledge systems, and empowering initiatives that promote self-reliance and collaboration, we can unlock the continent’s boundless potential.
The struggle for sovereignty and dignity continues, but so does Africa’s rise. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Africa’s journey toward a just and equitable future becomes a reality.
Elias Wondimu (GOEM), founder of TSEHAI Publishers, is a dedicated champion of preserving African narratives and advancing Ethiopian history. He is the editor of the forthcoming book Ethiopia: The Railway, the Powers, and the Start of the First World War and the founding editor of the International Journal of Ethiopian Studies. Wondimu’s unwavering commitment to African scholarship has earned him the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award from the African Studies Association. He currently serves as a senior fellow with the International Strategic Studies Association and as a contributing editor for the Los Angeles Review of Books.
Elias Wondimu
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2024
