ADDIS ABABA–Ethiopia has to promote the celebration of the victory of Adwa at continental level as it is the icebreaker of pan-Africanism, so said Scholars.
Emeritus Professor of History, Bahru Zewde told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that Ethiopia should strive for the commemoration of the victory of Adwa across the continent for its trailblazing role in the freedom movement of African countries.
Prof. Bahru commented on the recently inaugurated Ethiopia’s Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis as a positive movement while suggesting that the African Union Hall should be named after the Adwa victory which is the icebreaker of the black people struggle for freedom.
Prof. Bahru emphasized that observing Africa Day would be an appropriate way to honor Adwa’s significance across the continent.
While it is recognized that it may be challenging for some to understand how Adwa’s victory contributed to Africa’s liberation, black people worldwide sided with Ethiopia during the fascist Italian invasion. This solidarity demonstrated the broader beneficence of Adwa’s triumph, he added.
He stressed the need for more intellectuals on the continent to write about Adwa victory’s historical significance, encouraging others to recognize and appreciate its importance to celebrate the triumph on an African scale.
Supporting this perspective, Woldia University History and Heritage Management Instructor Belay Desalegn highlighted that the victory of Adwa is a shared achievement among all Africans, so the African Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia should exert diplomatic efforts to have an influence on celebrating Adwa across the continent.
Also, he stated that it is necessary to propose the establishment of a research venue for papers on Adwa and the official recognition of the victory by the African Union, allowing the summit to be held alongside the celebration of this historic occasion.
The instructor mentioned that the Pan African University had formerly been established in Adwa, with the goal of fostering understanding between African nations and serving as a reminder that Adwa’s victory was a milestone for the freedom movements of all Africans.
In addition to its impact on Ethiopian nationalism and pan-Africanism, the victory of Adwa also played a crucial role in the emergence of black strugglers and enhanced the diplomatic and political relevance of the triumph, he noted.
Regarding this, scholars, government parts and the media have suggested that raising awareness on Adwa’s contribution to the independence of all Africans and black people should be prioritized by establishing dedicated agendas on various platforms, as he underlined.
The victory of Adwa which is achieved by Ethiopians against the Italian colonizers in 1896, considers as a gear changer of various freedom movements in the African continent and all over the world.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 2 MARCH 2024
