The treaty declared the unconditional acceptance of Ethiopian independence and sovereignty.Īs I prepare to leave my work mission in Ethiopia, I joined my host Kibreab Abera Lomencho and Mikias Melak for a feast of raw meat in celebrating this African victory and the commemoration of the American Juneteenth. The two countries entered negotiations that resulted in the Addis Ababa Treaty. The Ethiopian victory at the Battle of Adwa was big news the world over leading to a change of government in Italy and the resignation of Prime Minister Francesco Crispi following public protests. The Ethiopians also captured 1,900 Italians and 1,500 Askari (African soldiers serving in the Italian armed forces). Some records have it that roughly 6,000 Italians and 5,000 Ethiopians were killed. By the end of the grisly battle, these traditional warriors, farmers, and pastoralists as well as women, overwhelmingly defeated a well-armed Italian battalion. Ras Alula was assigned to block the arrival of Italian reinforcements. The warriors took position accompanied by Etege Tayitu Bitul, wife of Emperor Menelik, a fearless strategist that led 6,000 horse soldiers to the war front employing traditional music and war chants that motivated the fighting spirit of the warriors. In response, on March 1, 1896, (Ethiopian calendar, Yeka(also known as the day of Saint George), the Ethiopian priests carried the Tabot, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, to the battlefield. Oreste Baratierihe gave the order for his 20,000 Italian and Italian-trained native troops armed with cannons and machine guns to advance into Adwa. At the time, Ethiopia was still recovering from the rinderpest virus outbreak of 1888-1892 that killed up to 90 percent of the country's livestock causing devastating famine, which is locally referred to as Kifu Ken, (the evil day).ĭespite the misgivings, the Italian governor and military leader of Eritrea, Gen. None of the two armies wanted to attack first as both had huge essential supplies deficiency, especially food. Rome's command was furious with this defeat and mobilized its forces, taking a position in Eritrea. Centuries-old culture, religion, and achievements are artistically showcased across the country. Based on this propaganda, Italians occupied the northern Ethiopian city of Amba Adigrat but Menelik forces swung to action and crashed them.Ī restaurant in Mekelle. He shrewdly downplayed this military strength by leaking false reports that his army was smaller and was suffering from widespread discord. Menilek II mobilized a 100,000 strong army from every tribe. He ordered every capable person to fight and those incapable to pray for victory. He called on all Ethiopians to defend their country, family, and religion. Rallying Ethiopians to defend their countryĪfter many attempts, on September 1893, Menilek II withdrew from the treaty altogether and started preparing to combat any attempt by the Italians to force dominion. In essence, the Italian version implied the declaration of Ethiopia as an Italian protectorate. The Italian version made Italy the medium for Ethiopia’s foreign relations, whereas the Amharic text had it that Ethiopia could "choose" to utilize the Italian government in dealing with other foreign powers. The good times did not last long after Article XVII of the Treaty of Wichale was found to have some version discrepancy. Subscribe to our newsletter By clicking on the SIGN UP button, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Policy SIGN UP
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