The Battle of Adwa fought on March 1, 1896, stands as a historic milestone in the African struggle against colonial oppression. It is not only a symbol of military triumph but also a profound demonstration of African self-determination, unity, and the resilience of human dignity in the face of external aggression. The significance of this victory transcends Ethiopia’s borders and reverberates across the entire African continent, making it a pivotal moment in the quest for freedom and equality for all black people worldwide. The 129th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa, marked in Ethiopia, serves as a powerful reminder of the victory’s enduring legacy and its contribution to black freedom and human dignity.
The commemoration of the 129th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa was celebrated under the theme: “Adwa: Victory of Black People.” The occasion brought together a variety of stakeholders, including President Taye Atske Selesai, high-ranking government officials, diplomats, and various members of the international community, all gathered at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa to honor the legacy of this monumental event. During the ceremony, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the former African Union Commission Chairperson, highlighted the multi-dimensional importance of the battle, stressing that it was not merely a military victory but a triumph for African self-determination and human dignity.
On the surface, the Battle of Adwa was a decisive military engagement between Ethiopian forces and the Italian colonial army. It was a resounding victory for Ethiopia, whose forces, led by Emperor Menelik II, Empress Taytu Betul, and a united Ethiopian front, decisively defeated the invading Italian army. In this battle, Ethiopia became the first African nation to successfully resist European colonization. The Italian defeat marked a turning point in the history of African resistance to colonial domination and firmly established Ethiopia as a symbol of resilience.
However, the importance of Adwa extends beyond the military aspect. It was a political and ideological victory that had a far-reaching impact on the struggle for black freedom. The outcome of the battle sent a clear message to European powers: Africa was not a passive victim of colonization but a continent capable of resisting foreign domination. The Ethiopian victory instilled a sense of hope and pride in black people not only across Africa but around the world, especially in the African diaspora. For the first time in history, black people witnessed a major defeat of a European power by an African nation, which served as a potent symbol of resistance against colonial oppression.
Moussa Faki Mahamat former chairperson of African Union Commission , in his speech at the anniversary event, articulated the deeper significance of the Adwa victory by stating, “Adwa was not simply a military victory, it was a victory for African self-determination, a victory for the dignity of our people, and more importantly, a victory for the idea that Africa can chart its own destiny free from the interference of foreign powers.” This profound statement encapsulates the essence of the battle’s contribution to black freedom and human dignity.
For centuries, European colonial powers had imposed their dominance over African societies, dismantling indigenous systems, economies, and cultures. African nations were subjected to the whims of imperialist forces, whose goal was to exploit the continent’s resources and subjugate its people. The Battle of Adwa represented a powerful rejection of this oppressive system. Ethiopia’s victory demonstrated to the world that African nations could defend their sovereignty, maintain their independence, and resist the colonial ambitions of European powers.
Adwa thus symbolized the triumph of African self-determination. It showed that Africa was not destined to be a playground for foreign powers; rather, it was a continent capable of governing itself, making its own decisions, and shaping its own future. This was an unprecedented message that resonated deeply with African nations, both those under colonial rule and those seeking solidarity across the globe. The victory at Adwa empowered Africans to challenge the status quo and demanded recognition of their rights to self-governance and equality.
The importance of the Adwa victory in the context of African freedom extends beyond the battlefield. It also ignited a broader global demand for justice, dignity, and reparations for African people. The Ethiopian victory came at a time when the European colonial project was expanding across Africa, and the racial hierarchy imposed by colonial powers was entrenched in international discourse. However, Adwa demonstrated that Africa could resist this imposition, and its victory helped to fuel calls for justice and reparations, which remain central themes in African liberation movements to this day.
The call for reparations has gained prominence in contemporary discussions on the legacies of colonialism. The Adwa victory underscored the need for Africa and its people to receive recognition for their contributions to global history and compensation for the suffering endured under colonial rule. The former African Union Commission Chairperson, tied the battle’s legacy to today’s calls for justice, noting that the Battle of Adwa was an essential precursor to the contemporary demand for reparations. Adwa symbolized the rejection of colonial oppression and the necessity of reparations for the millions of Africans who suffered at the hands of imperialism.
This notion of justice is also reflected in the themes of African Union initiatives, such as the ongoing pursuit of reparations for African people globally. As highlighted by Faki Mahamat, the Battle of Adwa was not just about a past military victory but also about the need to reassert African dignity and demand recognition from the global community for the historical injustices Africans faced during colonialism. In this sense, the victory at Adwa continues to inspire contemporary struggles for reparations and justice, extending its legacy far beyond its time.
In addition to its significance for African self-determination and reparations, the Battle of Adwa is a model for African unity and collective action. The unity of Ethiopians across ethnic, linguistic, and regional lines was critical to the success of the battle. Empress Taytu Betul and Emperor Menelik II, along with their generals, mobilized the people of Ethiopia to resist the Italian invasion, demonstrating the power of collective action. This unity was not simply a military strategy but a political philosophy that emphasized solidarity and mutual support among Africans in the face of external threats.
The political wisdom and courage demonstrated by Ethiopia’s leaders in uniting the diverse Ethiopian population were key factors in the victory.
President Taye Atske Selesai, in his speech during the 129th anniversary celebrations, emphasized that the victory at Adwa “restored the human dignity that the colonialists had tried to destroy.” He noted that the battle exemplified the heroism of Ethiopians, particularly highlighting the significant role of women in the fight. Women, who participated not only in combat but also in logistical and support roles, were integral to the success of the Ethiopian forces. Their contributions were an important aspect of the Adwa victory, and their political wisdom continues to inspire women across Africa today.
This unity and the strength derived from collective action at Adwa became a source of inspiration for other African nations. The victory proved that when African people come together, they can overcome even the most formidable challenges. This lesson of unity has continued to influence African political thought and has become a cornerstone of the African Union’s ideals.
As Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed eloquently put it, the victory at Adwa reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to peace while demonstrating its willingness to stand firm against injustice when necessary. It sent a message to the world that Ethiopia, and by extension Africa, would never again be subjugated.
The Battle of Adwa continues to inspire generations of Africans in their pursuit of freedom, justice, and human dignity. As the world reflects on the 129th anniversary of this defining victory, it serves as a reminder of the enduring power of unity, resistance, and self-determination in the fight against oppression. The battle established Ethiopia not just as a symbol of resistance but as a beacon of hope for all Africans, reaffirming the notion that black people across the globe have the right to dignity, freedom, and self-determination.
The 129th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa is not only a commemoration of a historic military victory but a reminder that the struggle for freedom and human dignity is ongoing. It challenges the present generation to continue the work of their ancestors, forging a path toward a united, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, free from the legacy of colonial oppression. As Ethiopia remains steadfast in its commitment to peace and progress, the lessons of Adwa will continue to inspire and guide future generations in their efforts to secure justice and dignity for all people of African descent.
BY DANIEL ALEMAYEHU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH 2025
