| On 2nd March, Ethiopia marked the 119th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa, which commemorates the bravery of Ethiopian troops, under Emperor Menelik II, in the battle for freedom against an Italian invasion on 1st March 1896. Celebrations took place in Addis Ababa and across the nation. Italy had invaded Ethiopia to expand its colonial territory following a dispute over the earlier Treaty of Wuchale, the Italian version of which claimed that Article 17 meant Ethiopia had relinquished its foreign policy to Italy and had become a protectorate. The Amharic version clearly stated that Italy and Ethiopia would cooperate on foreign affairs. Italy used this as a reason for invading in 1896. So thorough was the defeat of Italy that there was widespread rioting in Italy. Italy was forced to pay indemnities to Ethiopia and recognise its borders. The Italians suffered about 7,000 killed, 1,500 wounded in the battle and subsequent retreat, with 3,000 taken prisoner, as well as the loss of their artillery and 11,000 rifles; Ethiopian losses were estimated around 4-5,000 killed and 8,000 wounded. Public opinion in Italy was outraged, with street demonstrations in most major cities. The King of Italy declared a day of national mourning. The Battle of Adwa was of huge significance for Africa and in retrospect marked the beginning of the end of colonialism. The victory made Ethiopia an emblem of African valour, resistance to European conquest and colonialism, and a symbol of independence and pride for all black people around the world. Ethiopia is the only nation in Africa that has never been colonised. The colours of Ethiopia's flag [Green, Yellow, Red] were adopted by many African countries after their independence and school children across Africa are taught about the Battle of Adwa. At the commemoration in Addis Ababa, the Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives, Abadula Gemeda said the victory achieved over great odds at Adwa should now be replicated over the country's major enemy today, "poverty". He urged young people to help sustain peace and stability, and develop the nation as their forefather's had done, and to take part in the country’s renaissance. |