Ethiopians from all walks of lives marked the 127th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa nationwide with a jubilant crowd and breathtaking celebration. In the capital Addis Ababa, thousands of residents, patriots, public representatives and invited guests took part in the historic events held at Emperor Menelik Square, Meskel Square and Adwa Bridge in the capital.
The day marked the first black victory over a well-armed colonial power. The victory is the outcome of a battle Ethiopians fought against the invading Italian Colonial Army on March 2, 1896. On the battle of Adwa, Ethiopians under the leadership of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taitu scored a historic victory against the Italian colonial forces inspiring Africans and other peoples of the world who were under the yoke of colonialism to fight for their freedom and independence.
Ethiopian gallant forces brought Italian invading power to its knees that still reverberates across the black communities around the globe. The triumph has been bedrock for anti-colonial operation and struggle since. Ethiopian warriors drawn from the four corners of the country met in Adwa, Tigray to give the European colonial force a humiliating defeat.
The defeat goes down as the first triumph in the history of black struggle against self-proclaimed superior white race. Since then Ethiopia has been considered an emblem of freedom and independence. Throughout the liberation movement in Africa and elsewhere, the grand victory has been used as a living reminder of black heroism and indelible testimony of the equality of all races. Above all, it depicts that arrogance and hypocrisy cannot stand in the face of unity and the genuine cause for equality and freedom. Despite internal feuds, Ethiopian patriots putting aside their differences, united under the same flag making the impossible possible.
The country still remains an icon of perseverance and bravery. It is through the victory that the country asserted its unflinching stand on injustice and suppression. And, this year’s anniversary came at a time when the country set another exemplary history by successfully defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Even more, Ethiopia peacefully resolved the conflict in its northern part through an African Union led talks. This success consolidated the country’s unshakable position in the fight against modern day imperialism and respect for African independence.
In fact, Ethiopia has been a linchpin of African struggle against imposing forces. From the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam to the fight against external intervention, the country was and is a frontrunner in pushing for pan Africanist agenda in the face of adversaries. This was well accentuated by President SaheleWork Zewedie as she addressed the 127th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa held yesterday at Mesqel Square. President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde and President of the Ancient Ethiopian Patriots Association, Lij Daniel Jote Mesfin have attended the celebration at Meskel Square.
Earlier, President Sahle-Work has placed flower wreathes in front of the Statue of Emperor Menelik in commemoration of the grand victory day. The major commemorative event has been held at Meskel Square in participation of patriots, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, members of the National Defense Forces and Police and thousands of residents.
The Federal Ministry of Defense staged a big military parade with members of the diplomatic communities including Ambassador of various countries and military attaches from the embassies based in Addis Ababa in attendance. Addressing a crowd, the president said the victory is a great historical phenomenon that laid the foundation for the inception of Pan-Africanism and establishment of Organization of African Union, according a local media.
“Victory of Adwa had been achieved through immediate response of Ethiopians for the call made by Emperor Menelik II to safeguard the sovereignty of the nation and respective sacrifices paid by the forefathers and foremothers who were under the leadership of the Emperor.” Sahle-Work stated that the Adwa Victory inspired all the blacks and other peoples of the world who were under the yoke of colonialism to fight for their freedom and independence. According to the President a team of historians and influential individuals who are not Ethiopian nationals are undertaking a range of activities to make March 2 world-wide independence day.
She called on all Ethiopians to preserve the spirit of the Victory of Adwa and nurture culture of dialogue to accelerate the nation building process and pass on unified and prosperous Ethiopia for the generations to come. Today, Ethiopia and Africa have myriads of socioeconomic and political problems and it’s through the unity, resolve and mutual trust that the current generations can overcome the predicament. And, keeping the spirit of Adwa alive is thus worthwhile.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 3 MARCH 2023
