Adwa Victory Memorial: Commemorating Ethiopia's Triumph and Significance in African History

The Battle of Adwa was a pivotal moment in Ethiopian history, as it secured the nation's independence and sovereignty against colonial forces, setting a powerful example for the liberation movements of African countries in the mid-20th century.

The decision to establish the Adwa Victory Memorial at the heart of Addis Ababa was rooted in the historical importance of this location to all Ethiopians, Ledet Muleta, Advisor at the mayor office of Addis Ababa, said in an interview with Sputnik Africa.

According to the official, it was the memorial's current location that people from all corners of the nation gathered before marching north to Adwa for the decisive battle. This site symbolizes unity and marks the starting point of Ethiopia's victory at Adwa.

When asked about the key features of the permanent exhibition at the Victory Memorial, Muleta described a diverse array of artifacts and displays.

"This is a very big complex. I mean to start off with the statues, there are two large statues of the emperors at that time: The Emperor Menelik and [Taytu Betul] as queen. Then there are also 12 statues of generals during that time who led the army to the battleground, so you will see statues, you will see shields and swords and firearms and other goods that were used during Adwa. There are also, artworks, modern and ancient artworks, representing that time during the Adwa," she said.

Of notable significance is the return of Ethiopia's first airplane, built in 1935 in collaboration with a German engineer, which was repatriated from Italy following diplomatic efforts.

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One of the central themes of the Adwa Victory Memorial is to serve as a reminder of Ethiopia's resistance against colonial incursions and to commemorate the nation's victory, Muleta said.

She emphasized the broader importance of raising awareness about modern-day neocolonial practices in Africa. Ethiopia's unwavering stance against colonization not only resonates with black communities around the world, but also stands as a testament to African independence and resilience, according to Muleta.

"The victory of Ethiopians at Adwa symbolized a beacon of hope for freedom among African people, both within Africa and beyond. It served as a powerful influence, inspiring Africans to undertake liberation, freedom struggles against the forces of colonialism and imperialism. The exhibition showcases significant aspects of that struggle for freedom," the advisor to the mayor of Addis Ababa told Sputnik Africa.

Addressing the modern forms of the so-called colonialism, Muleta emphasized the importance of vigilance against exclusionary practices and the necessity of unity and collaboration to combat neocolonialism effectively.

Neocolonialism, as defined by Muleta, extends beyond mere territorial control but encompasses any form of treatment that neglects inclusivity or disregards the rights of individuals, groups, or nations.

"It's very crucial for Africans in particular to maintain vigilant regarding about both, internal and external policies and relationships to ensure that this kind of treatment does not happen again because there are different forms of neocolonialism," she emphasized.

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Speaking about the shifting geopolitical landscape towards the global South, Muleta acknowledged this trend and highlighted key international platforms amplifying the voices of these nations. She noted the increasing significance of the global South, comprising countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as a powerful entity poised to shape global discussions.

"[The Global South] is becoming one of the amplifying voices of the world. So it's one of the most recognizable and, it's becoming a powerful entity," the Ethiopian advisor said. "Then another one is BRICS comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa initially. [It] played a pivotal role in today's global landscape, offering countries diverse trade options and freedom to engage in diplomacy as they deem fit."

Muleta added that Ethiopia's recent formal inclusion in BRICS further exemplifies its growing influence in global diplomacy and collaborative efforts with nations worldwide.