Mereja Forum

[teodroseIII]

On this day 125 years ago, Ethiopians united beyond their differences and whipped the hindparts of thousands of would-be Italians colonizers. The progenies of Caesar arrived at our shores boasting “veni, vidi, vici” only to be sent back packing where they came from humiliated and humbled by the prowess of Ethiopian jegnoch. European powers learned a lesson that day as did oppressed people throughout the world; no force on this planet can subdue a united people no matter how much they are outclassed on the battlefield.

As we exit “Black History Month” and enter “Women’s History Month”, it’s only fitting that I acknowledge the heroes that are often overlooked yet were instrumental in one of the most audacious military victories in the history of warfare. Credit is often given to Emperor Menelik II for leading Ethiopians into battle yet very few acknowledge that his wife Empress Taitu, a fierce warrior in her own right, was right by his side and at the front of the line as they met Italians at Adwa.

In fact, more so than Menelik, it was Taitu who recognized the treachery of Francesco Crispi as he tried to use guile in order to colonize Ethiopia through diplomacy. In 1889, the Crispi offered Menelik a “Treaty of Wuchale” which ceded the provinces of Bogos, Hamasien, Akele Guzai, Serae and parts of Tigray to Italy. In return, Italy acknowledged Menelik’s continued dominion, offered financial assistance and military supplies. What Menelik did not realize at first is that there were two versions of the treaty; it was Taitu that caught on to Crispi’s subterfuge and pressed her husband to reject Italy’s overture. With repudiation came belligerence; two years later, Ethiopians and Italians faced off at a battle that shook the world...continued...

READ FULL ARTICLE AT: https://ghionjournal.com/women-adwa-uns ... -ethiopia/