News Analysis | Jan 05,2020
Mar 9 , 2019
By Michael G. Behailu
The first Saturday of March saw the celebration of the Victory of Adwa, a commemoration of Ethiopia’s victory in the late 20th century against Italian forces. It made the nation the only country in Africa to have been able to successfully fend off a European invasion, leading to independence that was maintained until a five-year interruption between 1935 and 1941.
The celebration was as warm and colourful as it was highly anticipated. There was though a shallowness to the commemoration that was too glaring and yet barely discussed.
The incessant mention of triumph over a foreign force remains, in the end, meaningless without the continued effort of generations to carry the torch of bravery and defiance shown by the very same people we praise. The history of this nation triumphing as a collective people rings hollow, considering the monumental victory that was achieved over a century ago. We have regressed ever since, and we are divided now more than ever.
The Victory of Adwa has, more than anything else, been about the unity of the nation. Against all odds, a nation came together to defeat a common enemy. Differences among the people faded at the time, considering the larger target that was aimed at, the sovereignty of our nation.
Fast forward into the 21st century, we have a hard time reaching a consensus over even matters such as a national flag. But in reality, we are faced with a far more formidable common enemy that has haunted the nation since its founding - poverty.
Ethnic tensions and conflicts are increasing, with innocent lives being lost and property being damaged. Political leaders seem to have no other purpose than shifting blame or promoting and using political power for their own agenda and personal use without feeling perturbed for failing to provide alternate policies.
We seem to be in a never-ending cycle of self-destruction. I dread to think what those warriors would have said had they known that the blood and sweat they sacrificed for - a strong and united nation – is far from reality.
It is frustrating when the Victory of Adwa is constantly championed without ever acting on the central tenants of its significance. We can talk about this day in the media or visit the Menelik roundabout en mass. Both though will remain pointless if we fail to pass on to the next generation a state with history, culture and institutions that are inclusive enough to fight for.
The celebration should be in our effort to work hard to build a country where no one starves, lives on the streets, is not left out of access to education and does not pay a price for being from any lingo-cultural group.
We should celebrate by educating our young, taking care of the old and implementing policies that better people’s lives. It must be displayed in our effort to create an environment where businesses and individuals can excel and raise the flag of the world on the international stage.
It should be in making sure that the country’s name is mentioned by international media for all the right reasons, for excellence in the arts, sciences and sports. We should celebrate the victory by contributing to the country, so our universities produce Nobel prize winners and our society fosters the next great leader, humanitarian or moralist.
This is how we can continue the legacy of our ancestors during that ballet, not by repeating mottos and slogans that on their own mean little. That is just simple bravado, contrary to actual bravery displayed by our ancestors when they defeated Italy. After a century of celebrating the battle, it is about time we walk the talk on what makes it significant.
PUBLISHED ON
Mar 09,2019 [ VOL
19 , NO
984]
News Analysis | Jan 05,2020
Fortune News | May 18,2024
Radar | Aug 26,2023
View From Arada | Oct 16,2020
View From Arada | Jan 15,2022
Sunday with Eden | Mar 05,2022
Radar | Jan 18,2020
Life Matters | Oct 05,2019
Life Matters | Nov 30,2024
Featured | Apr 22,2022
My Opinion | 120560 Views | Aug 14,2021
My Opinion | 116652 Views | Aug 21,2021
My Opinion | 115405 Views | Sep 10,2021
My Opinion | 113144 Views | Aug 07,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
A severe cash shortage squeezes the economy, and the deposit-to-loan ratio has slumpe...
Jan 4 , 2025
Time seldom passes without prompting reflection, and the dawn of 2025 should nudge Et...
Dec 28 , 2024
On a flight between Juba and Addis Abeba, Stefan Dercon, a professor of economic poli...
Dec 21 , 2024
The main avenues and thoroughfares of Addis Abeba have undergone an impressive faceli...
Jan 12 , 2025
Wegagen Bank, lined up to become the first company to list on the newly launched Ethi...
Jan 12 , 2025 . By AKSAH ITALO
Ethiopia's key industries are battling the contraband trade. Leaders from tobacco, co...
Jan 12 , 2025 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
An alleged shareholder of Sunpay Solutions S.C., Bruck Fikre, has filed a lawsuit see...
Jan 12 , 2025 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
Plastic manufacturers are pushing back against a bill banning single-use plastic...
Loading your updates...