The histories of the equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II in Addis Ababa and the colossal effigy of Duce Benito Mussolini in Adwa transcend their bronze and stone materials. These narratives intertwine the fates of empires, the spirit of resistance, and the quest for historical memory, embodying the enduring legacies of valor and tyranny in the relentless pursuit of sovereignty.
The equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II stands as a potent symbol of Ethiopian resistance and heritage in the heart of Addis Ababa. Commissioned by Empress Zewditu, Menelik II’s daughter, and unveiled on the eve of Emperor Haile Selassie’s 1930 coronation, it marks a significant chapter in Ethiopia’s history. Designed by German architect Haertel Spengler and crafted in Germany, the statue commemorates Menelik II’s pivotal role at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopian forces secured a historic victory against colonial ambitions and stopped Europeans rapid expansion towards total domination in Africa.
The statue’s journey mirrors the tumultuous periods of Ethiopian history. In 1936, during Fascist Italy’s occupation, Alessandro Lessona, Minister of Italian Africa, and Rodolfo Graziani, Viceroy of Italian East Africa, orchestrated a covert mission. Seeking to quell any insurrectionist sentiments due to their action, under the cover of night and with corrugated tin fences around it, they removed the statue of Emperor Menelik II from Arada. This act was part of a broader campaign to Romanize the capital, to erase reminders of Italy’s humiliating defeat at Adwa, to diminish symbols of Ethiopian sovereignty, and to suppress Ethiopian identity and resistance. But with the unyielding spirit of Ethiopian valor and sacrifices of patriots, they failed on all fronts. Following Ethiopia’s liberation in 1941, the statue was rightfully restored to its original place in front of Saint George Church in Arada,.
In contrast, the massive effigy of Duce Benito Mussolini was Fascist Italy’s attempt to erase the memory of their humiliating defeat at Adwa and reshape historical narratives. Designed by Lieutenant Colonel Piero Malvani and placed in front of Mount Soloda in Adwa, this statue sought to confront Ethiopia’s 1896 victory site, rivaling the majesty of Egypt’s Great Sphinx of Giza.
However, the fate of Mussolini’s statue in Ethiopia symbolized not only the crumbling of Fascist aspirations in the region but also ominously predicted his own downfall in Italy. With Ethiopia’s liberation in 1941, the effigy was destroyed with explosives, removing its forbidding presence from Adwa’s landscape. This act of destruction signified not only a physical reclamation of space but also a restoration of the Ethiopian historical narrative and sovereignty.
Today, while we are celebrating the 128th anniversary of the Adwa Victory, the significance of these statues extends beyond their physical presence. The recent unveiling of the Adwa Victory Memorial in Addis Ababa underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to honoring the heroes who answered the call to defend their country, ensuring their legacy endures. This memorial serves as a powerful reminder of a nation’s enduring strength and a continent’s tumultuous journey through colonial aggression, the relentless fight for sovereignty, and the steadfast commitment to safeguarding its historical legacy.
The next step in Ethiopia’s journey of remembrance should focus on the Adwa Mountains themselves. By memorializing the victory in the Adwa mountains, a poignant link is established between Addis Ababa, where the resistance began, and the historic battleground of Adwa in Tigray, 978 kilometers away. Here, Ethiopian courage overcame colonial ambitions, embodying not only a national victory but also the enduring resilience of Africa against subjugation.
In the heart of Adwa, where Ethiopian valor repelled colonial chains, lies a testament not just to a nation’s triumph but to Africa’s undying spirit of resistance. This sacred ground, where heroes stood firm, illuminates the path for a continent united in the pursuit of sovereignty, honor and dignity. Adwa’s legacy, etched in the annals of history, stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding us that the fight for freedom knows no borders, echoing a call for unity and solidarity among Ethiopians, across Africa, and beyond.
The monuments commemorating this victory narrate a saga of resilience, honor, and the indomitable spirit of a united people. The legacy of Emperor Menelik II’s statue, in contrast to the fallen effigy of Mussolini, embodies the triumphs and tribulations that form our shared narrative. They serve as poignant reminders of our past, inspiring reflection and celebration of the spirit that carried a nation—and a continent—through adversity, and they stand as enduring symbols of the victories we cherish and the future we strive to shape.
Elias Wondimu (GOEM), founder of TSEHAI Publishers, champions the preservation of African narratives and the promotion of Ethiopian culture. A staunch advocate for decolonizing Africa’s narrative and its history, his work has earned him several accolades, notably the Grand Officer of the Imperial Order of Emperor Menelik II. Wondimu’s influence extends to multiple media platforms; he has been featured in BBC, NPR, The Economist, Los Angeles Times, Ethiopian Herald, ETV, ABC4, and others. He is also the publisher of Chronicle of The Reign of Menelik II, King of Kings of Ethiopia (TSEHAI Publishers, 2017).
BY ELIAS WONDIMU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 2 MARCH 2024
