The secret of Ethiopia’s uninterrupted existence and sovereignty over several millennia is neither accident nor magic, nor the protection or benevolence of the superpowers, nor the impeccable justice of the UN and its inviolable charter. It is the bravery, wholehearted sacrifice and perseverance of Ethiopian patriots who defend the country’s sovereignty and freedom to this day. Last week, Ethiopia observed Army Day and commemorated its sons and daughters who gave their lives and received injuries while defending their country from aggressors.
The history of the Ethiopian army is a magnificent tapestry woven with tales of gallantry, resilience, and strategic prowess. From ancient times to the present day, the Ethiopian military has played a significant role in shaping the nation’s destiny and defending its sovereignty. The Ethiopian National Defense Forces, one of the foremost formidable armies in Africa, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to ancient Ethiopian warriors who laid the foundation for its military might of the present time.
Throughout centuries, Ethiopia has faced numerous challenges and conflicts that have tested its military strength, and survival as a nation-state. From fending off foreign invasions to internal struggles for power, each chapter in Ethiopian military history reveals remarkable stories of courage and determination. Some historians say that Ethiopia’s history is mainly a story of war. In a way, it is the story of the struggle of the Ethiopian gallant patriotic forces for peace, liberty and freedom against aggressors, oppressors and traitors.
Ancient Ethiopian warriors were renowned for their scary daredevil acts and unmatched skill in battle. Armed with spears, shields and an unwavering spirit, they defended their land against all odds. Their tactical brilliance, resilience, bravery unyielding loyalty to their homeland, and unwavering dedication to protecting Ethiopia’s sovereignty earned them a place in history as formidable defenders.
From the mighty Axumite army to the valiant soldiers of the Zagwe dynasty and the formidable warriors of the Solomonic dynasty, these legendary armies left an indelible mark on Ethiopian history. If we delve into the history of these ancient armies, we uncover tales of epic battles, heroic leaders, and a rich cultural heritage that has shaped Ethiopia’s identity. Those legendary warriors have left an enduring impact on Ethiopia’s past—a legacy that still resonates today.
The Axumite army, known for its strategic prowess and military might with war elephants on the land and advanced naval power on the sea, has enabled the Axumite kingdom to be the undisputed trading and military power on the Red Sea, and thus played a crucial role in shaping Ethiopia’s ancient civilization. With their advanced weaponry and disciplined tactics, they secured peace for several centuries throughout the vast territories of the kingdom that stretched in all directions including the Red Sea coast where the port city of Adulis was situated as well as the southern Arabia.
During the reign of the Zagwe dynasty, Ethiopian military strength reached new heights. The Zagwes made significant contributions and hold a significant place in Ethiopian army history, particularly when it comes to warfare and military tactics. The Zagwe military chiefs emphasized defensive strategies, discipline, and rigorous drills, and are known for their exceptional ability to fortify strategic locations, such as mountainous regions, which provided them with a natural advantage against invading forces.
Additionally, they also implemented innovative strategies that utilized guerrilla warfare techniques. They understood the importance of mobility and surprise in battle, often employing hit-and-run tactics to weaken larger enemy forces. By utilizing their knowledge of local terrains and employing unconventional methods, they were able to outmaneuver their opponents and secure victories.
Through the later centuries after the fall of the Zagwe in the late 13th century, the Ethiopian army continued to make organizational and technical advances, in an attempt to maintain its deterrent power against internal anarchists, regional rivals, and foreign colonial power. Ethiopian leaders of that time tried to acquire the best weapons available from the Europeans. Even leaders like Tewodros II commissioned the local manufacture of heavy artillery mortar capable of firing off half-ton artillery rounds.
It was near the end of the 19th century that the traditional Ethiopian army achieved its golden age when it decisively defeated the highly advanced European army at the Battle of Adwa. This battle marked a historic victory for Ethiopia against Italian colonial forces and has since been recognized as a pivotal moment in African history.
The Battle of Adwa not only showcased the strength, resilience, and invincibility of the Ethiopian army but also shattered European notions of African inferiority. It served as an inspiration for other African nations in their fight against colonialism and became a symbol of Pan-African unity.
Under Emperor Menelik II’s leadership, Ethiopia’s military capabilities were further strengthened through modernization efforts and strategic alliances. The building of the modern Ethiopian defense force began taking roots and structure during this period, with the establishment of the Ministry of War in the imperial regime, headed by the acclaimed war hero and strategist in the major battles like Adwa and Segele [the two bloodiest single-day battles in the Ethiopian war history], Habte Giyorgis Dinagde.
In the 20th century, the Ethiopian army kept up its patriotic duty of protecting the nation against external aggressors. During the second Italian invasion, members of the Ethiopian army fought tooth and nail for five years to foil the fascist aggression and defend Ethiopia’s sovereignty. Many of the soldiers became martyrs. The contribution of a fascist resistance group, The Black Lions, which was mainly comprised of young military cadets and officers, is worth remembering here. Even though they were not successful militarily, the Black Lions set a solid political and moral guidance for the continuation of the resistance struggle until victory was achieved.
In the recent period, the Ethiopian army registered spectacular historical victories on the continued struggle for Ethiopia’s sovereignty in the conflicts occurred mainly in eastern and northern Ethiopia, the part of the country closest to the Red Sea- The eye of the storm of the political and military rivalry of world powers.
The magnificent history of the Ethiopian Army is adorned by the extraordinary battlefield heroic deeds of its members, most of whom did not survive their dangerous missions to tell their incredible patriotic service. However, there are a few who stayed around long enough to recount their stories in books and the media, and also to receive honor and formal recognition from the government.
Failing to mention some of these incredible heroes would be doing a huge disservice to all they sacrificed for Ethiopia and also for the honor, freedom, and pride we enjoy as Ethiopians. First, we remember Emperor Yohannes IV, a great military leader, who had little time to enjoy the luxury of palace life, as he was busy defending Ethiopia’s borders against the infiltration of Egyptians, Italians, and the Methodists. Theodoros II could have saved his life and his family by surrendering to the British. But he preferred an honorable death over living a life of shame and setting a bad precedence for future Ethiopian leaders and being disgrace to his people.
Colonel Abdissa Aga, the incredible larger-than-life hero of the second Italian -Ethiopian war fought with the Italian fascists and German Nazis on their land, and triumphantly drove into the cities of Rome and Berlin, waving first the Ethiopian flag. We also remember Brigadier General Legese Tefera, the fighter pilot in the 70s and the Ethio-Somali War hero, who destroyed five Somalian MiGs in an air-to-air combat. Along with Gen. Legese, two other Ethiopian heroes, namely Brigadier General Tesfaye Habtemariam and Sergeant Major Ali Berki were decorated with the highest military honor of the time.
Similarly, so many war heroes have emerged in the battles fields held in recent times and got the appropriate recognition and Medal of Honor by the encumbant government. Because of such selfless courageous and patriotic heroes who go beyond the call of duty to provide unreserved service to their nation, Ethiopia will surely continue to be a free, peaceful, and sovereign state.
It is a commendable effort to dedicate a day to commemorate the Ethiopian army. Even the long and vast history of the Ethiopian army calls for the establishment of an Ethiopian National Army Museum, where the present and the future generation of Ethiopians will get inspiration for patriotism , the honor of being a soldier and sacrificing oneself for the good of Ethiopia.
The struggle to defend Ethiopia’s freedom and sovereignty is a continuous process. Ethiopians’ fight to defend their motherland has cascaded through the generations and continues to this day. This is so because Ethiopia’s enemies have never ceased to pursue their ambition of dismantling Ethiopia, and erasing the Ethiopian identity in one way or another. That is why the Ethiopian army need to carry on building the legacy of the past generation, and keep pace with the latest military technologies to ensure that Ethiopia is always safe from the attacks by adversaries both from within and outside.
BY SOLOMON WASSIHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2023
