BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
On March 127 years ago, traditional warriors, farmers, pastoralists, and women defeated a well-organized Italian army in the battle of Adwa. Hence, the victory of Adwa warranted Ethiopia’s independence while inspiring other black people to fight for their freedom. The victory also turned Ethiopia into a symbol of freedom for black people in the world.
It is well-recognized that Ethiopia had no skilled, trained military or organized army. The country was also backward compared to the Italian army. Here, we have to ask questions like how and why Ethiopia become victorious. Even we can garner a response when we request why do Ethiopian people fight bravely? According to experts in the field of Political Science, the victory of Adwa was achieved through the successful and decisive leadership role of Emperor Menilke II and the obedience of the people. The harmony between the people and the Emperor led to victory.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that the leaders of the campaign, the role of high-level officials, the soldiers, and the people who were the backbone of the soldiers play key roles in the victory of Adwa. These forces had to work together for a national purpose. Especially, Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu coordinated and led the entire Ethiopian army. They chose the appropriate time and situation, coordinated internal capacity and external support, and overcome problems with leadership and diplomatic skills. A leader’s intelligence is not known for making hasty decisions but for making a favorable decision on the appropriate time and situation.
Since 1881, the cattle disease that was introduced by the Italians had affected both the people and the cattle for four years. There was also a great famine while Italy strengthened its military in the already occupied areas. Leadership indeed has a key role in the victory of Adwa. Because of all these problems, the Emperor wanted to wait until the evil day passed and the equipment arrived from abroad. He proved the saying that “we cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”
The leader was indeed wise when he declared a total mobilization of war against Italy. He called on all Ethiopians to defend their country, family, and religion. He ordered every capable person to fight to defend the country while he even assigned those incapable to pray for Ethiopia’s victory. Russia Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin said that “the Battle of Adwa is an outstanding example of the bravery, courage, strength, and unity of the Ethiopian people. It served as a source of encouragement for all African peoples in the struggle for their independence from the yoke of colonialism,”
Lagos University Professor Akin Ibidapo-Obe noted that Ethiopia serves as the flag of freedom for the continent because of its role in the African Union, African independence, and the Victory of Adwa. The very important point for Africans is that Ethiopia will continue its leadership position. When that leadership role is being maintained as the present government is doing, all Africans come together to ensure the unity, development, and progress that Africa needs, he added.
Addis Ababa University History Professor Ahmed Zekaria said that the crucial leadership role led to the victory of Adwa. Hence, the Victory of Adwa has been serving as an emblem of Pan-African movements across Africa and beyond. Pan-African News Wire American editor and publisher Abayomi Azikiwe noted that the victory and resistance of the Ethiopian people has been a beacon of hope for African unity and Pan-Africanism until today in the 21st century.
It is true that Ethiopia, among the many independence movements in the continent, was the only independent state in Africa. Due to various reasons, other independent movements were not successful. The victory of Adwa had a significant role in expediting not only the independence of African countries but also other countries like the Caribbean. Therefore, Adwa has shown the world inferior weapons but a strong cause. Currently, not only Ethiopia but the continent has various challenges: poverty, absence of peace and stability, migration, conflict, displacement, and so on. Hence, the continent has a strong case for development and prosperity. So, it is important to repeat the leadership skills, courage, bravery, and unity of Ethiopian heroes in the Adwa victory for continental development and stability.
The government and the people of Ethiopia should also take the exemplary history of the Victory at Adwa for the realization of the Pan-Africanism vision together to ensure a peaceful and developed continent. Because strengthening continental solidarity, cooperation, and development as well as promoting peace, security, and stability and pursuing of common economic growth strategies are keys to making Adwa be celebrated by black people across the world, let alone by Africans.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian
THE ETHIOPIAN THURSDAY 9 MARCH 2023
