Ethiopians mark 128th anniversary of Adwa Victory against Italian forces

Ethiopians gathered Saturday to celebrate the 128th anniversary of victory in the Battle of Adwa, between the Ethiopian army of Emperor Menilek II and Italian forces.

The Battle of Adwa is a landmark event in African history, symbolising the strength, resilience, and determination of African peoples in the face of colonial oppression. It remains a source of pride and inspiration for generations of Africans and stands as a testament to the power of unity and resistance in the fight for freedom and self-determination.

The celebration finally took place in the town of Adwa, in the Tigray region, after two years of interruptions.

People dressed in military attire walk on the side of the celebration of the 128th victory of Adwa in the historical Piazza neighbourhood of Addis Ababa on March 2, 2024. (Photo: Michele Spatari/ AFP)

Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde attended the celebration with senior government officials, members of the Ancient Ethiopian Patriots' Association, and thousands of city residents who gathered around a bronze statue of Emperor Menelik II on horseback.

Major General Stephen Radina, chairperson of the AU Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mechanism (AU-MVCM), also attended the commemoration which started Friday with a panel discussion organised by the regional tourism bureau.

The capital city, Addis Ababa, celebrated the occasion with a military parade, artistic events, and other programmes at the newly built Adwa Victory Memorial.

A man dressed in the attire of a historical warrior poses for a portrait on the side of the celebration of the 128th victory of Adwa in the historical Piazza neighbourhood of Addis Ababa on March 2, 2024. (Photo: Michele Spatari / AFP)

Lij Daniel Jote Mesfin, president of the Ethiopian Patriots Association, praised the celebration of the Adwa Victory Day this year, saying they picked a special place for it.

He congratulated Ethiopians everywhere for the victory and thanked the government for the Adwa Victory Memorial, a grand representation of the defining moment in history.

Noting the need for young people to build a better Ethiopia, Lij Daniel urged them to learn the virtues behind the Adwa Victory and contribute to national projects.

Ethiopians attend a ceremony marking the 127th anniversary of Adwa Victory against Italian forces, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on March 2, 2023. Stringer / Anadolu Agency (Photo: Stringer/ Anadolu Agency via AFP)

The victory of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) at the Battle of Adwa on March 1, 1896, holds immense historical significance in African colonial history. It is a pivotal moment of resistance against European colonial ambitions and a symbol of African unity and independence.

Emperor Menelik II led Ethiopian forces against Italian colonial troops aiming to expand their territory into Abyssinia. Against all odds, the Ethiopian army decisively defeated the Italians, marking the first time an African nation successfully resisted European colonisation in the late 19th century.

A marching band performs during a ceremony marking the 127th anniversary of the Adwa Victory against Italian forces, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 2, 2023. (Photo: Stringer/ Anadolu Agency via AFP)

The triumph at Adwa shattered the myth of European invincibility and served as a powerful inspiration for other African nations struggling against colonial rule. It demonstrated that Africans could effectively defend their sovereignty and independence when united against foreign aggression.

The victoryalso had significant international repercussions as it forced European powers to acknowledge Ethiopia as an independent state and respect its territorial integrity. This success bolstered pan-African sentiments and fueled movements for liberation and self-determination across the continent.