‘Freedom ,an invaluable gift ’ is the concept of the statue that has been erected for years at the center of the Ethiopian Capital Adds Ababa.
The square and statue which is located in Arada in the capital was erected to commemorate Adwa, a black victory obtained from the collective effort of Ethiopians ruled by Menelik II in the 1888 E.C. war against Italy.
The emperor had gone to St. George for prayer before he went to the war and he also took the Tabot with him to support him to win the battle, said Memihir Mekibib Gebremariam, Heritage Research Senior Expert at Addis Ababa City Administration Culture, Tourism and Art Bureau.
“What makes the square more interesting is it was a place where traditional mediation and legal punishment had been taking place.” The statue that made up of bronze by German architects was erected during the reign of emperor Haileselassie I in October 22, 1922 E.C. a day before his coronation, he said.
The message on the statue reads: “It is not greatness to hail from a prominent family, greatness (triumph) is to contribute something valuable to the motherland.”
Memihir pointed out that the statue is a memory of over 4,000 Ethiopians sacrificed in the war and to those who achieved the victory.
The statue displays King Menelik II sat on his horse having spear in his hand. The horse faces to the north to point out the location of the battleground that placed in the northern part of the nation.
Horses were also fashion at the time to be used in every routine. Even the warriors were called by the name of their horses. Emperor Menelik was also known as Abba Dagnew, after the name of his horse.
“The declaration of the war was heard from Addis . The patriots vowed to defend their country here around Adwa Dildiy or Adowa bridge in the capital.”
Accordingly, kings such as Kawo Tona of the wolayta, Sheik Hojele of Gambella, King Teklehaimanot of Gojjam, Nigus Michael of Wollo among others gathered in Addis Ababa with their respective warriors.
The victory of Adwa is a sign of unity as it was achieved by the people through collective leadership of several kings who received the call of the country’s leader, King Menelik II, Memihir Mekibib noted.
The battle has become symbol of unity, freedom to Ethiopians. It also served as an inspiring instrument to the black people and
others who were under colonial rule across the world to fight for their freedom. It is also the main cause to the establishment of the Organization of African Unity, he mentioned.
Ethiopians achieved the victory with barefoot and traditional armaments while their rivalries were trained and modern soldiers equipped with latest armament of that time, as to Memihir.
Ethiopianism, ‘the concept or belief of unity for freedom’ was begun from Adwa. Not only the warriors, there were artists, cooks, and others from the four corners of the country. Animals also died to the victory, he underlined.
Currently, the country is affected by tribalism forgetting the glorious history of Adwa that was obtained from unity and integrity, he said.
“We should have to learn from the successful
deeds of our forefathers and foremothers . We need to get united and achieve democracy and development.”
Therefore, all Ethiopians need to come together to celebrate the day, to remember the forefathers’ achievement and contribute fair share to the development of the country, he urged.
The victory should be celebrated across the country as it is Ethiopian and African victory. At least it should be celebrated in the nine states in the country.
The Adwa center that is under construction in the capital is also a good memorial to the victory and the people who martyred for it, he pointed out.
On Feb. 26, 2020, the Mayor office of the capital disclosed the 20 percent completion of the Adowa center that includes statues, museum, hall and library.
The Ethiopian Herald March 3/2020
BY YOHANES JEMANEH
