BY TEWODROS KASSA
127 years back in 1896 Ethiopian patriots from all corners beat the invading European power and wrote the Golden Victory of Adwa colorfully. The then political and military leaders Emperor Menelik II and Balcha Aba Safo contributed a lot in leading the Ethiopian warriors to dismantle and score a decisive victory against the colonialist forces at the Battle of Adwa with traditional armaments.
This great victory has become a source of inspiration and pride for black people across the globe and to struggle for freedom. Historical records clearly indicated that in March 1896 a well-organized and united Ethiopian army gained the unthinkable victory over the invading Italian force and brought Italy’s war of conquest in Africa to an end.
The Adwa Victory might be impossible if the forefathers/foremothers surrendered to fight with traditional armaments; or hesitated to sacrifice their lives for the fate of the country. However, the prudent leadership of Emperor Menelik II and his wife Empress Taytu Bitul encouraged all Ethiopians irrespective of ethnicity, religion, gender, among other differences to cooperate and actively participate in the struggle against colonialism. Ethiopia annually marks March as the Golden Victory of Adwa. This year’, the 127th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa was also celebrated across the country colorfully since the month marks the turning point in the country’s great resistance against foreign intervention. In her remark at the 127th commemoration of the day, President Sahle-Work Zewde said that the Victory of Adwa is a great historical phenomenon in the history of black people.
As to her, Adwa had been achieved through the immediate response of Ethiopians to the call made by the then leader Emperor Menelik to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ethiopia. “Using Emperor Menelik’s wise leadership, our forefathers and foremothers paid huge sacrifices so as to halt the aggressors move to colonize Ethiopia.” Adwa Victory inspired all black people who were suffering under the yoke of colonialism to fight for their freedom and independence because it was the first victory achieved over European power by African forces. “The Victory of Adwa is a sign of unity, cooperation and winning. It is also a win valued by the black people and countries across the world. Thus, we Ethiopians need to preserve the spirit of the unity of forefathers to build the country we desired for,” the President added. What is more, Adwa is the major foundation for the inception and revival of the Pan-Africanism movement and the victory of all Africans beyond Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Adwa museum, which is intended to commemorate the Victory of Adwa, and to give full pictures about Ethiopia’s victory over Italy in 1896, is said to be nearing its completion. According to the Addis Ababa City Mega Projects Construction Office some 78.2 percent of the construction of the Adwa museum Project is completed. This important project is also expected to be inaugurated in October 2023. The Office Contract Administration Director Dawit Tibebu (Eng.) said that the construction has been executed carefully, responsibly, and without interruption. The project, which commemorates Ethiopia’s victory at the Battle of Adwa, will have a museum, art gallery, cinema, meeting halls; bus and taxi terminals. The museum, which is the archetypical part of the project, will have several artistic illustrations representing the Victory of Adwa.
“This mega project has been designed and constructed to immortalize Ethiopians’ victory over colonialism and their unity for common goal. The patriots’ commitment and sacrifice to fend off invaders is also being preserved by this memorial.”Moreover, the project office has capitalized on various researchers conducted by renowned historians and consulted the latter to give the museum a true feature of Ethiopia,” he added.
In sum, the Victory of Adwa should be well recognized to further stimulate Pan-Africanism and ensure socio-economic emancipation of Africans and fight poverty through hand in hand coordination of African children.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 4 MARCH 2023
