On March 1, 1986, over 129 years ago, a defining moment in world history occurred in the Ethiopian town of Adwa. Contrary to the expectations of European colonizers, and in a manner they could never have imagined, Ethiopian forces decisively beat one of the most formidable colonial powers of the time, the invading Italian army, which had sought to colonize the nation and expand its control in East Africa.
The Victory of Adwa gained over, the invading Italian Fascist forces, is not only a resounding triumph. Equally, it profoundly symbolizes Ethiopia’s enduring strength and unity.
The Victory achieved at the Battle of Adwa not only ensured Ethiopia’s independence, but also brought about a profound impact on the global stage; changing the European narrative of domination, reshaping the course of African history and becoming a powerful symbol of resistance to European imperialism. The moment overturned colonial assumptions and altered the trajectory of the African continent forever igniting anti-colonial movements across the continent and even beyond.
Thus, the Victory at Adwa, which reverberated far beyond Africa, became a powerful symbol of resistance, inspiring global struggles for independence, self-determination and the rejection of colonial rule. It also remains a pivotal chapter in the history of Ethiopia reflecting the unwavering bravery, persistence, resilience of our ancestors in their steadfast commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and the dignity of its people in the face of foreign aggression.
Tomorrow, Ethiopians will mark the Victory of Adwa with various vibrant and colorful events. However, as we the day, many agree that we, mainly the young generation, should draw important lessons from the unity, perservance and patriotism of our forefathers that bound them as one in times of adversity.
“We, the current generation, should learn from the Victory of Adwa that unity, perseverance and cooperation lead to victory, said Seyoum Yohannes, Politician and the Director General of the Irob Development Association.
As he stated to EPA in relation to the 129th celebration of the Adwa Victory, the youth should learn the values of perservance, unity and collaboration. We have to draw lessons from our forefathers and foremothers who wrote glittering victory and expected to resolve our common problems and protect the sovereignty of our country.
The Victory of Adwa is a defining moment in Ethiopian history, where Ethiopians from all corners of the country, regardless of any differences, united for a single purpose – to defend their country’s sovereignty. The victory is a golden triumph achieved by Ethiopia’s brave sons and daughters, who endured months of ups and downs and countless struggles to reach at the battlefront, Adwa. That is why it should be marked to the level it deserves, he added. Thus, the victory deserves to be commemorated to the fullest, for it symbolizes the price that was paid in the pursuit of freedom and independence.
The struggle and the sacrifice paid for the sovereignty of the country and the freedom of the people resulted in a remarkable victory. It also demonstrated the ultimate price Ethiopians were willing to pay to defend the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of their country. This victory not only made Ethiopians aware of the cost of protecting their homeland but also instilled a deep sense of pride, he said.
The victory at Adwa is a source of pride not only for Ethiopians but also for Africans and people of African descent around the world. It was also an incidence that strengthened unity among people. The current generation should learn from Adwa that unity and perseverance lead to success.
Seyoum also highlighted the role of women in the Battle and Victory of Adwa, particularly referring to the leadership and intelligence of Empress Taitu Bitul. The Battle of Adwa was a moment when men and women marched to the forefront and achieved victory together, irrespective of any difference be it gender or status. So, it affirmed that women’s capacity to effectively fulfill their responsibilities if given the opportunity, he added.
Adwa’s victory is not limited by gender and indicates that women’s participation played a significant role. Thus, it is essential to acknowledge Empress Taitu’s contributions during the Battle of Adwa and honor her as a key figure in the triumph.
Empress Taitu’s ability to lead an army, prepare logistics and supplies is a very proud story for women in the world. The idea she was generating, the prompt order she was giving had decisive role to achieve the victory, he added.
According to Seyoum, the victory symbolizes a collective achievement for all Ethiopians. However, he argues that it hasn’t received the recognition it deserves during past celebrations. “The newly constructed Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, built a year ago, however, has provided us with an opportunity to honor and remember this important occasion,” he added.
Seyoum added that Adwa’s victory is best conveyed through music and historical education. However, there is a gap in the efforts to educate the new generation about its significance. According to him, more work is needed to teach the significance of the Adwa Victory, which sparked the flame of Pan-Africanism for all Africans, not just within Ethiopia. He stressed that it crucial to ensure the celebration of this victory flourish every year.
It is true, the victory at Adwa is a defining moment in Ethiopia’s history—not just because of the military triumph, but also because of the enduring legacy it has left for Ethiopians, Africans, and Black people across the world. Their unity, deep love for their country and profound sense of patriotism have always been the source of their success in each and every one of their strides.
This collective spirit was recently demonstrated in the construction of the Abbay Hydroelectric Dam, which has become a powerful symbol of Ethiopia’s determination and resilience. Now nearing completion, the Abbay Dam—often called the “Second Adwa”—stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Ethiopian people, reflecting their commitment to progress and self-reliance.
Ethiopians from all walks of life have come together to ensure the successful construction of the dam, showing incredible perseverance and a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Like the Battle of Adwa, which was not only a military victory over colonial powers but also a challenge to outdated narratives of foreign dominance, the Abbay Hydroelectric Dam represents far more than a major infrastructure project. It has become a beacon of national pride, unity, and resilience.
Just as the Victory of Adwa marked Ethiopia’s triumph over colonial forces in 1896, the construction of the Abbay Hydroelectric Dam symbolizes Ethiopia’s economic sovereignty and resilience in the face of both domestic and international challenges. Thus, the younger generation must draw inspiration from the unity, resilience and determination of their forefathers and fathers should confront and overcome the national challenges of today.
BY ELIZABETH MENGISTU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 1 MARCH 2025
