BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
As history would have it, in the history of mankind, a number of battles occurred around the world; but most ended up with short memories. On the other hand, the Battle and the Victory of Adwa is an incident that has been narrated admiringly around the world and transcended to the generation of this era for a number of reasons.
The glittering Victory over the invading Italian forces shocked the colonial powers, especially those who believed in the myth of white supremacy and black inferiority; and also inspired Africans and black people around the world to struggle for independence. Owing to this, the Victory of Adwa is a victory of all black people around the world.
According to Yifat Development Association CEO, Kiflu Bifersahle the war was an international war because the international community gave green light to it. No one had expected the defeat because the invading force was well equipped with modern artillery and for their wrong notion that “white dominance” was considered as unbeaten and unconquered.
However, on the first day of March, 127 years ago, traditional warriors, farmers and pastoralists as well as women defeated a well-armed invading Italian army in the northern town of Adwa in Ethiopia making history at the face of white supremacy.
The outcome of this battle was not as simple as other battles. Both the Battle and the Victory of Adwa gave lessons to all as it is not a weapon that matters rather justice, determination as well unity and the role of leadership in ensuring victory.
Though the aggressors made preparations to kneel down Ethiopia using all sorts of modern weapons, skilled military force coupled with traps of diplomatic skews, Ethiopians achieved a gleaming victory over the invading Italian forces. Thanks to the heroic Ethiopians- the calvarias, the leaders, individual fighters, the women who paid the great sacrifice in each spot of war- Ethiopia made a history that surprised the whole world.
By doing so, Ethiopians ensured independence and a victory that turned the nation into a symbol of freedom and pride for black people globally.
“Since Victory was made in Adwa, the illogical and irrational thinking of white people’s supremacy and blacks’ inferiority was dwindling. The notion “white nations could colonize black people’s nations abruptly turned into a nightmare because Ethiopia had shown the world that black people could defeat white on the battlefield.
The world should examine the true secret behind Adwa Victory and the role played by the key leaders of the then Ethiopian leaders Emperor Menelik II and his wife Empress Tayitu Bitul.”
He further noted that this era’s generation should recap great lessons from the patriotic and gallant deeds of his forefathers and mothers who paid the sacrifices and enabled him to live in the spirit of freedom. At this juncture, one can easily notice the spirit of unity and the inseparability among the people even though they had their own differences.
“In my opinion, at this moment we should focus on eradicating poverty rather than toiling effort on issues that could harm our unity and economy, and each of us should think out of the box, as Adwa is a beacon of light for freedom fighters,” he underlined.
Historians should teach the new generation the value of the Victory of Adwa to the rest of the world, especially to Africans as it is a victory achieved by Africans over European colonial powers.
The news spread throughout the world turning Ethiopia into the symbol of redemption and freedom for black people. The inspiration from the Adwa Victory lifted the heart and minds of freedom fighters around the world, he added.
The new blood should esteem it because had it not been for the sake of our forefathers and mothers’ courageousness, the black people’s struggle will never get an impetus.
Oromia Development Association Director General Dejene Itticha for his part said that the Victory of Adwa is the stepping stone to ignite struggle against aggressors.
It is a symbolic and inspirational rhythm for all African nations and an incident that sparked hope to many Africans in their quest to tackle their problems by themselves.
“Despite all odds, our forefathers and mothers were committed towards unity; and saw the big picture of their country Ethiopia. In my view, this era’s generation should learn how unity and patriotism could benefit to ensure sovereignty. Elders also should beef up efforts in taming the new generation regarding the true history of Ethiopia and provide quality education that could hone the skills, advance knowledge and ethics.”
According to him, Ethiopia will prosper if we follow our forefather’s footsteps and work with a sense of unity and spirit of patriotism as exhibited at the Battle of Adwa.
He underlined the smart key to guarantee the prosperity of Ethiopia. “It is not necessary to march to a battlefield like the days of Adwa; rather we should think out of the box and work together for the common good of us; rather than engaging ourselves in tribal and regional issues.”
According to documents, European countries at the Berlin Conference in 1884, divided Africa among themselves. Before the conference, only about 10 percent of Africa was controlled by Europeans; the remaining 90 percent was ruled by indigenous and traditional rulers. Italy had a colonial possession over Assab Port since 1882. At the Berlin Conference, European colonial powers agreed that Italy could take over Ethiopia as its future colony.
However, the plan could not yield the desired outcome. Ethiopia, by thwarting the invading forces, wrote a history that no one expected it.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 3 MARCH 2023
