![]() ![]() However, more recently, there has been a tussle to claim sole ownership of Ethiopia’s political history among the country’s competing ethno-nationalist elites. Over the years, the egalitarian nature of the victory allowed Adwa to become an all-inclusive foundation on which modern Ethiopian nationhood was built. It represents a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s history, in which the country’s diverse inhabitants banded together to fight a common enemy. Disputed OwnershipĮthiopia’s triumph at Adwa was a monumental event that symbolizes African resistance to European colonialism. His legend has, in many parts of Ethiopia, taken on an almost saintly status within the collective memory of Ethiopia.”ĮOTC leaders feel that the Church’s role as a spiritual guide in the monumental victory, as well as its overall place in Ethiopia’s socio-political history, has been under systematic attack by Abiy’s government.Ĭonsequently, EOTC leaders and its dominant Amhara socio-cultural base are indignant at the government’s perceived attempt to undermine the emperor’s legacy. Steward writes in his master’s thesis on Adwa, “Menelik had largely succeeded in creating a growing national narrative about Adwa, the divine role of Saint George, who was increasingly being viewed as the Patron Saint of Ethiopia, and his own role, not just in the battle, but also in the establishment of a new, modern Ethiopia. While not canonized by the Church, Menelik II is venerated as a pious and benevolent emperor by many of the EOTC faithful. The drive to move the celebrations was seen by some as a concerted effort to de-emphasize the role of the Church and the emperor in the historic victory. George’s Church of the EOTC, whose Tabot (Ark of the Covenant replica) was marched alongside the emperor’s forces and is said to have helped them win the war against the invading Italian army. The square hosts the emperor’s statue and is located near St. ![]() But it is evident that the main focus of the event was made to be at Meskel Square ![]() So, the government would argue that the victory was commemorated in Menelik II square and the indignation of the celebrants is unwarranted. 2 According to government officials, technically the celebration took place in Menelik II Square, Adwa Bridge, and Meskel Square. ![]() The government’s decision to move the celebrations from Menelik II Square to Meskel Square sparked widespread indignation among EOTC believers. Similarly, the Addis Ababa Diocese of the EOTC accused security forces of violently disrupting a peaceful religious celebration and using tear gas on celebrants. The EHRC reported that the security forces’ actions resulted in at least one death and several injuries. George’s Church, where followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) were celebrating a religious festival.Īccording to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), government security forces used “unnecessary and excessive force” on peaceful gatherings of people around Menelik II Square and in nearby St. The recent violence spread to the nearby St. The Ethiopian victory at Adwa also secured their sovereignty until the outbreak of the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, which took place between 19. Adwa became a crucial symbol of pan-Africanism, demonstrating that African forces could successfully resist European colonialism. Ethiopian forces emerged victorious over the invading Italian army near the town of Adwa in northern Ethiopia, halting Italy’s campaign to expand their colonial empire in the Horn of Africa. 1 The Battle of Adwa took place on 1 March 1896, and marked the climax of the First Italo-Ethiopian War. The 2 March incident occurred as security forces attempted to disperse a crowd gathered to commemorate the 127th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa between invading Italian forces and those led by Emperor Menelik II. C lashes between security forces and celebrants in Menelik II Square, Addis Abeba, resulted in “ at least one death ” and injury of civilians. ![]()
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