Since the Adwa Victory, Ethiopia was the only African country that never bowed down to colonial aggressors and had backed fellow African nations in their fight against colonial powers.
By Tesfa Mogessie (WIC) |
The Ethiopian Patriots Association has said that the preparations to celebrate the 121th Adwa victory are finalized and patriots geared up for the Day.
The Adwa Victory, which has become synonymous with victory of black people over white colonizers, was fought between Ethiopians who were armed with light ammunitions and Italians armed with modern machine guns. The battle stunned the world as Italy was shatteringly defeated and victory succumbed by the side of Ethiopians.
In March, 1896, in the fight that last for a few hours, Ethiopians led by Emperor Menelik were so determined and strategic to completely crush Italian battalions marching from several directions in the rugged mountainous area of the country’s northern part ― Adwa.
Since the Adwa Victory, Ethiopia was the only African country that never bowed down to colonial aggressors and had backed fellow African nations in their fight against colonial powers. Almost all fellow African nations were colonized.
Association President Lij Daniel Jote Mesfin said that the Victory of Adwa is and will be an inspiration for Ethiopians and the black people as a whole.
“Celebrating the Day comes out of respect of forefathers, who determined we are today and where we are from,” he said.
He also said that the patriots who fought the second battle with Italy at the eve of WWII will be a living testimony of how hard was defending the sovereignty and will help the youths of this generation know the past glories so that they can keep the tempo in the future.
“We organized patriots so that they will be celebrating the Day,” he added.
He also said that the association has facilitated ways for the patriots to let the youths know their heroism when it comes to defending the country in unity.
Leji Daniel said that this year, the Day will be marked colorfully in the presence of many residents and foreigners in Addis Ababa at Menelik Square and Adwa.
According to him, the association has been working closely with Ministry of Culture and Tourism all along the schedule for the Day.
Adwa was not the only battle fought between Italy and Ethiopia, but the vengeful Italy came again in 1936. By the time, though there was a regime change in the country, the patriots were remained unflinching enough to Italy forces and became champions.
Source: WIC
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