Historians indicate that the Victory of Ethiopia at the Battle of Adwa in 1896 was not only the success of Ethiopians. Rather, it was the victory of Africans and all black people worldwide. The triumph greatly has contributed towards uniting Africa and Africans. That is why for many Africans the two names, Africa and Ethiopia, are seen as synonymous. And Africans see the Adwa victory as a corridor for Africa and Africans strive for freedom.
In a program organized to commemorate the Victory of Adwa, the former South African President Thabo Mbeki said that the victory at Adwa underlined the vital importance of a skilled and patriotic leadership capable of outsmarting the enemy not only on the deadly military field of battle, but also in the challenging areas of politics and diplomacy.
He emphasized that the global community has to learn more from Adwa Victory since the Victory represents all Africans. It is the history that all Africans proudly share.
South Africa’s former President usually sees debating on recognizing Adwa’s Victory. Adwa’s victory deserves glorious place in the hearts of all Africans. He urges the government of Ethiopia, African and all Ethiopians to give more tribute for the golden African victory over colonization.
Commemorating the Day needs further engagements from all stakeholders to transmit Ethiopia’s success to other countries in nation building, he indicates.
Since the Victory was achieved through the united action of the Ethiopian people, one of the primary lessons, apart from a progressive vision, is the critical importance of national unity as it is a fundamental element for the realization of Africa’s strategic goals.
“Given the fact that these strategic goals also relate to our Continent as a whole, this surely means that we must mobilize all our countries to act together in unity to achieve these strategic goals,” he noted.
“All this means that we should together act to honor the injunction coming out of Adwa – let each of our countries as well as our Continent as a whole act in unity to achieve our strategic goal.”
The second lesson Africans must draw from the Victory is the absolute imperative that the Continent face properly to carry out the necessary preparations to enable us achieve the strategic victories we seek. I am certain that in this regard we are familiar with the diplomatic, political, logistic and military preparations which were essential to secure the Victory at Adwa.
The other lesson that we must draw from Adwa is that since it is only through struggle that we could achieve our strategic goals, we must therefore be ready to make the necessary sacrifices as we strive to overcome the resistance of those who will oppose us.
Thus, the current generation has greater responsibilities in passing down such African proud historical achievements, he emphasized.
Recently, the country marked the 123rd Adwa Victory nationwide. Following the celebration, a huge gathering of peoples happened at Menelik II Square, Adwa Bridge and Meskel Square from the morning up to the evening. This year’s remembrance had been more colorful than the past couples of decades of the anniversaries. The way the attendants dress was so much impressive. Almost all the participants were adorned with cultural dresses, adornments, cultural warriors’ symbols-spears, shields and flags, among others.
Singing various patriotic songs, participants of the day were reflecting their honor for their forefathers/mothers, the then leaders, warlords and individuals contributing for the superior role they played for the motherland.
Further to these, the activities of the horsemen came from the surrounding areas of Addis Ababa City were also the other splendid thing which added special color to the Day. Horsing superbly on the streets of the City, they portrayed the vivid pictures how the forefathers stood in front their enemies with courage, frightened them and paid sacrifice. Elders, youths, women and children were excited highly.
Temesgen Derbie was one of the attendants of the event. He said that it is regretting for not celebrating such a Day in the past as colorful as today [123rd Victory Day].
“Such situation is an impetus to promote Ethiopia’s prosperity and realize its unity. It is also crucial to aware the new generation about the Victory to be proud of their forefathers and resist any unfair wars against humanity.”
For him and his friends who were in presence to commemorating the Day and witnessed the vigorous and dramatic event from Menelik II Square at the center of the city to Adwa Bridge, the Day creates a new insight in realizing the country’s endeavors of repeating it past glorious. “There are many things that this generation has to learn from the past”, he said.
Not only these, this generation side to side glorifying and honoring forefathers’, the then warlords’ and leaders’ heroic deeds, it should go all-out to beat nation’s enemy. “Thus, realizing economic victory is the next agenda for all Ethiopians”, he remarked.
Ethiopia is the only country that marks the Victory Day every year while other African countries mark Independence Day. The feeling has greater differences. Ethiopians should instill more experiences from Adwa Victory, he remarked.
In his message in connection with the 123rd Adwa’s Victory Anniversary Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) emphasized that Adwa’s Victory has beamed rays of hope to all Africans for independence. And the Day is a means for us to transit from one couple of success to the other, the Premier added.
“Adwa showcases diplomacy, war strategy, unity, art and communication, love, honor, courage and the quest for liveliness”, he said.
The Ethiopian Herald March 6, 2019
BY TEWODROS KASSA
