It is not hard to surmise breaking sticks one by one is a cakewalk for one engaged in the task. But if the sticks are tied up, presumably, the task proves a futile and frantic bid for s/he locked in the uphill dabble.
Apart from being a loser, the latter gets its energy sapped. Seen from the perspective of the sticks, the above example rams home the significance of unity and the advantage of confronting challenges closing ra nks.
Viewed from the angle of predators, it demonstrates the strategy of vanquishing subjects piecemeal. It hammers home the perks of driving a divisive wedge among would-be preys, to effect one’s hidden motive.
It was fathoming the fact that unity renders a feeble nation, indomitable, carrying traditional and antediluvian arsenals, Ethiopians from all corners, all ethnic groups, all religions and both genders trekked all the way to Adwa mountains for a showdown with an invading European army armed to its teeth.
True to the saying, unity is power our forefathers emerged triumphant in permanent repelling a stranger that advanced hinterland with the heinous intent of expanding its colonial wings. But Invaders’ blood sucking dreams went up in smoke.
It was not only the message “the expansionist dream of colonialists could be checked” but also the victory carried across “non-white people could outsmart their counterparts in all fronts.” It upturned the wrong mentality entrenched for long ‘the upper hand is meant for the white.”
The battle of Adwa foiled the adage “It is to civilize you we colonized you.” The showdown showcased black lions too are past masters in the art of war.
As such, the victory of Adwa turned out to be a trendsetter. The shining victory underlined the message “as man is born free no one has the warrant to strip him of his freedom.” The ground has to be level. It capitalized equality is a must between none-white people and those on the other end of the scale.
As such, the victory of Adwa made Ethiopia a beacon light to freedom fighters up to Caribbean Islands. It added fuel on the anticolonial fight in Africa. In cognizance of this fact, many historians opted to call Ethiopia a fortress society. Up on independence many
countries opted to permutated Ethiopia’s tricolor—Green, yellow and red— to adopt it theirs.
Adwa has, as well, played a seminal role for pan African sentiment. Hence, the commemoration of the victory of Adwa, which is a death knell to colonialism, subjugation and exploitation, must ripple as far west where the echo resounded volubly.
Pushing this agenda in AU’s summit and infusing it among leaders, Ethiopia has to see to it that the commemoration of the victory of Adwa becomes a heritage in UNESCO list as well.
Tragic as it may sound, many youngsters here in Ethiopia have no inkling about the victory of Adwa as they were systematically made to be ignorant about the history of their forefathers. It was deliberately the unreformed government, studded with corrupt officials, stricken out Ethiopian history courses from the education curriculum to drive a divisive wedge among citizens along ethnic and religious lines to fish in troubled water. The unrest that we see in an otherwise tranquil Ethiopia could be ascribed to this tragedy.
Some external forces that unduly maximize benefits are also seen trying to divide Ethiopia along every possible line. Taking lessons from forefathers Ethiopians have to put down their feet to such satanic acts. As usual, Ethiopians should close ranks to deter aggressors, ensure their sovereignty and spur development .
In the developmental push, Ethiopia needs to evince unity as it demonstrated the same in the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).If Ethiopians fail to appreciate unity—the jewel on its crown of independence— it will be denigrator to forefathers who shed their blood and palisaded the boarders of their country with their bones for the freedom of this and coming generation.
The role our forefathers played in order we may not lose our identity, language, culture, religion and self-confidence is immense. When we mark the victory of Adwa it must be reminiscent of this fact. Long live sovereign Ethiop ia.
The Ethiopian Herald March 1/2020
