Addis Ababa: The legacy of the Battle of Adwa remains powerful because it symbolizes African resistance and triumph, Professor Hakim Adi, a renowned UK-based expert in African history and the African diaspora said.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Battle of Adwa in 1896 was a significant moment in African history. Ethiopia triumphed over Italy, representing the first substantial defeat of a European power by African troops during the colonial period.
It took place during a period when European imperial powers were aggressively competing for control over the continent of Africa. In an exclusive interview with the Pulse of Africa, Professor Adi shared his views on the enduring legacy of the Battle of Adwa, an iconic event that continues to inspire global movements for sovereignty and independence.
“The Battle of Adwa is still powerful because it represents African victory. It shows that Africans can stand up for their sovereignty, their independence, that if we fight, then our enemies can be defeated
,” he stated.
The professor said that it is no coincidence that Ethiopia became the host nation for the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 and remains the headquarters of the African Union today. “Ethiopia’s continued independence and sovereignty serve as lasting symbols of African resilience,” noting that the Battle of Adwa was a crucial event in African history.
“What made it especially significant was that a united Ethiopia was able to militarily defeat Italy’s army. As a result, Italy was forced to recognize Ethiopia’s sovereignty,” Professor Adi noted.
This victory was an incredible source of inspiration for other Africans resisting colonial rule, as well as for people of African heritage across the world, including in South America and the Caribbean. Ethiopia’s ability to preserve its independence demonstrated that Africans could resist European intervention, the professor said, adding “this made Ethiopia a powerful symbol of Pan-African victory in the world at that time.”
Furthermore, he
elaborated that the Battle of Adwa shattered the myth of white or European supremacy. It demonstrated that a united and organized African force could overcome the imperialist power, he said, stressing this message continues to resonate with Africans and people of African descent worldwide.
Even today, Africa remains a continent targeted by global powers, but Adwa’s victory is a reminder that Africans, when united, can resist external control and secure their interests, he underlined. “The victory at Adwa demonstrated many things. It wasn’t just a military triumph; it was also a political and diplomatic victory. It shows the importance of modernizing a country and ensuring its economy was as developed as possible for that time,” he added.
The lessons of Adwa remain relevant today, with Professor Adi emphasizing that African nations must be strong, united, and economically developed to protect their independence and sovereignty. The 129th anniversary of the Adwa victory will be celebrated tomorrow under the t
heme “Adwa: Victory of the Black People.”