- Adwa, Law Enforcement Operation prove as the people never compromise over their common principles-sovereignty, integrity
BY STAFF REPORTER
Historians agree that the Victory at the Battle of Adwa has left a legacy not only for Ethiopians but for the world as a whole and especially for black people. At the moment Ethiopians are celebrating 125th Anniversary of this globally acclaimed historic victory while the country is undergoing a large-scale political transition and reform.
As witnessed in the past three years, the reform process has gone through twists and turns. But in order to overcome challenges of change, scholars say that there is a need to draw lessons from the principles which the forefathers used during the Battle of Adwa.
The Ethiopian Herald had a brief stay with Associate Professor Ayele Bekerie of Mekelle University who elaborated on the principles of the victory of Adwa and how the current generation should apply them to overcome challenges facing the country. Here follows excerpts of the interview:
How do you describe the implication of the victory of Adwa?
The victory at Adwa is an emblem of Ethiopian national dignity and a symbol for black resistance and struggle. It is through the victory of Adwa that the yoke of oppression, directed against truth, justice and survival, was dismantled and civil dignity and humanity were upheld.
Just 1,066 kms North of Addis Ababa is Adwa town , mountains and hills, where the great battle had taken place. The Wuchale Treaty, which was considered as the immediate cause of the Battle of Adwa, was signed in 1889 at a place known as Yesema Nigus, located 468 kms. of north of Addis Ababa that lies on the foothills of Ambasel and adjacent to Wuchale town.
Mt. Soloda, Mariam Shewito, Adi Tebun and Rebi Areyenei were among the main battlegrounds of the war.
George Berkeley tells us that in a battle that kicked off at 5 am on 2 March 1896, the Ethiopian army numbered 27,000 cavalries and more than 120,000 peasantry army. They had trekked bare footed over 1000 kms and were able to defeat the military academy-trained invading European army by 10 am the same morning.
According to a book entitled ‘Atse Menelik’ which was translated to Amharic by Dagnaw Haileselassie, Ethiopian peasantry army had heroically fought on horses by pulling their shields on the ground and navigating the air with their swords with determination and unparalleled fighting spirits.
Within five hours after the start of the battle, all the 56 canons of Italy were captured. Among the leaders of the invading colonial army, General Albertonie was captured while the Chief of the Army, General Baratieri fled with few guards, other fugitives and dispersed members of the army.
What do you think were the major factors for the victory?
The major factor for the victory was the unity and strong commitment the Ethiopians demonstrated. Even though there were challenges during the Battle of Adwa, Ethiopians managed to safeguard their sovereignty and independence. As this is confirmed globally, there is no need to argue to prove it. At the time, Ethiopians ensured their independence by compromising on Eritrea. This is a historical fact. Perhaps, even if one of the weaknesses of Adwa is the fact that we compromised on Eritrea, Emperor Menelik demonstrated a very skillful diplomatic approach.
At the time, Menelik’s diplomatic approach was successful by manipulating the three colonialists against each other. After the battle they agreed not to intervene in their respective internal affairs.
At the time, Eritreans fought besides Ethiopians at all the battles including Adwa and Ambalage. This was how Menelik made the proclamation to announce the Battle of Adwa. It said: Be prepared for an enemy has come to steal your country and wife! Hence, the people heeded his call and gathered at Wereilu. The unity was historic. Emperor Menelik’s concept of unity was strong before and after Adwa. It is through organization and unity that Ethiopians were able to defeat the Italians. The leaders at the time such as Kawo Tona, Aba Jifar, Ras Menegesha and others mobilized their forces from every corner, and joined Menelik II, leaving aside their differences.
The patriots, by devising a strategy and by calculating their respective activities, had beaten the invaders. Our patriots, in addition to Adwa, defeated the Italians at Ambalage, Mekelle, and other places. The key reason behind this success is their unity and this shows how it is fundamental to everything.
First, unity has helped them win the war. What is more, the idea of modernity has emerged from successful united action against the Italians. The core idea to build a country is to agree on principles. This is what happened at the time and those rulers who were in power have played their roles in defending the sovereignty of the country.
In fact, at that time, state leaders were engaged in expanding the empire. However, when external invaders came, they got together, putting aside their differences. Standing as one, they defeated the enemy. It was those who were fighting one another, at other times, who had quickly come together to defend their common homeland, Ethiopia.
On the other hand, Adwa’s mountains had also played a big role. There are two mountains named Kidanemihret and Enda Kidanemihret. Their names confused the Italians. What the Italians planned at the moment was to launch a surprise offensive, as they had prior but wrong knowledge that Ethiopians go to church on the 23rd day of the month (which is the day marked as St. George).
When
war broke out, the Ethiopians were well prepared and waiting cautiously.
Commander of the army was Ras Mekonnen. When they surrounded the Italians and
launched an attack the Italians got dispersed and started to retreat. The sense
of unity at the moment was well orchestrated.
How much do you think has the people’s
unity contributed to the victory?
When
talking about Ethiopia, we should always keep in mind that we are a nation with
age-old history. Unity is the primary ingredient to sustain us as a nation.
There are many indicators for the importance of unity at any time. The recent
incident is one of the indicators that Ethiopians never negotiate over their
sovereignty. The people rose up in unison as soon as they heard about the
offensive against the defense forces. The people concluded that their icon of
unity was at stake.
Later, people from all corners also have shown their support by donating
whatever they had. This is reminiscent of the unity witnessed during the Battle
of Adwa. The principle of Adwa was repeated during TPLF’s November attack
against the Ethiopian National Defense Forces. It has reawakened the sense
of unity which was observed during the Battle of Adwa.
We would be able to create effective leadership or prosperous nation only when we possess solidarity. It is impossible to lead a nation or become successful by assuming rigid position. Rigidity has many sources in the country.
How can Ethiopians apply the inspiration of the Victory of Adwa in realizing ongoing reform in the country?
What has happened now will help Ethiopia make a genuine transition. In connection with this the main actor of chaos is no more. What we learned from the Battle of Adwa was standing in unison. What is repeated recently is the same.
How can Ethiopians use lessons from the victory of Adwa in fending off foreigners meddling in the local political affairs?
Perhaps, I believe that the western world has not yet understood us. In the same way, we have not done our homework. Winning a battle alone is not enough. During the Battle of Adwa, Emperor Menelik II had done fruitful work of diplomacy. Many people including Alfred Ilg [a Swiss Engineer] were arguing in favor of Ethiopia’s sovereignty.
After the victory, many Europeans had delightfully accepted Menelik. All of them sent envoys giving recognition to Ethiopia’s sovereignty. This is the outcome of the key diplomatic work that preceded the Battle of Adwa. We have not effectively repeated this by now.
As we boost our ties their understanding would also grow up accordingly. But this alone is not enough. We should bolster all-rounded ties like in the sectors of education, culture and other institutional relations.
TPLF has established a lot of network in the past. Hence it is interconnected with many of them in terms of benefits. Through the network, it widely spreads misinformation. They also work hard to safeguard their lavish gains. Among the [surrogates] of TPLF are Martin Plaut, Alex Dawal, Kjetil Tronvoll and other sophisticated international agents.
How do you view the current political situation of the country?
The current situation has created opportune moment for the country to apply genuine transition, turning from conflict to development. Currently, there is no force that directly or indirectly challenges the country. Now we have to turn our focus towards development and economic growth. The sources of instability are now checked. Now I feel that our journey is bright.
The situation with Sudan is clear that there is conspiracy hidden hand. The Sudanese Special Forces under the control of some of the generals have fought as mercenaries in Yemen and Libya.
Ethiopia’s leaders’ cautious and diplomatic approach to the crisis with Sudan is commendable.
When an imminent enemy of a country rises up, the people never keep quiet. They know very well how they can fend it off. All the activities during the last 27 years were meant to blur the feelings and legacy of the historical unity. We have to use these historical realities for national unity and progress. We have to apply the unity observed in Adwa for national prosperity and growth. We have to eliminate schism. We should not shrink from the historical unity. Since the victory of Adwa should get the honor it deserves, it should be incorporated in the curriculum and the historical realities well documented.
The Ethiopian Herald 2/2021
