Ethiopian Resistance Of Italians Colonialism
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124 years ago, traditional warriors, farmers and pastoralists as well as women defeated a well-armed Italian army in the northern town of Adwa in Ethiopia. The outcome of this battle ensured Ethiopia independence.

The Ethiopian Empire, also known by the exonym Abyssinia, or just simply Ethiopia, was a monarchy that spanned a geographical area in the current states of Ethiopia and Eritrea. https://twitter.com/Joe__Bassey/status/1308662355111411712?s=19

Before the Battle, European powers had decided the fate of Ethiopia. At the Berlin Conference of 1884-5, 14 European countries divided Africa among themselves. https://twitter.com/Joe__Bassey/status/1304315491922608128?s=19

Before the conference, about 10% of Africa was controlled by Europeans; the remaining 90% was ruled by Africans. Italy sought to divide and conquer Ras Mangasha of Tigray and Nigus Menelik of Shoa. The Italians eventually signed the Treaty of Wuchale with Menelik in May 1889.

The Treaty was written in Amharic and Italian. Menelik discover that the language in the two versions of the treaty differed. The Italian version effectively made Ethiopia Italy’s protectorate.

The Italians fortified their positions in Tigray, attacking Mangasha at Coatit on Jan. 13 1895. Sept. 17 1895, Menelik declared a total mobilization of war against Italy. He called on all Ethiopians to defend their country, family and religion.

He ordered every capable person to fight and those incapable to pray for Ethiopia’s victory. Ethiopians from every tribe, culture and community answered Menelik’s call. Regional leaders from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds responded unanimously creating an army of 100000.

The first showdown occurred at Amba Alagi on Dec. 7 1895, where a relatively smaller Italian army was wiped out. The second encounter was at Mekelle, where the Italians were stationed behind a strong fort.

The Italian commander agreed to surrender if they would be allowed to leave with their firearms. Menelik agreed that they could leave the garrison unharmed.

One of the key leaders of the Ethiopian forces was Etege Tayitu Bitul, wife of Emperor Menelik. A fearless strategist and brilliant administrator, she led 6,000 cavalry to the war front, and employed traditional music and war chants that motivated their fighting spirit.

The Ethiopians won the war against the Italians in Adwa leading to the resignation of the Italian Prime Minister Francesco Crispi.
Negotiations between the two countries resulted in the Addis Ababa Treaty.

One of its key components was the unconditional acceptance of Ethiopian independence and sovereignty. The News spread throughout the World which bringing about other Wars between Africans and colonialism. https://twitter.com/Joe__Bassey/status/1307365184579735556?s=19

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