The 129th Celebration of the Battle of Adwa: A Legacy Marred by Modern Atrocities in Mariam Shewito
The Echoes of Adwa On March 1, 1896, Ethiopia etched its name into global history by defeating the Italian colonial army at the Battle of Adwa. This victory, a rare African triumph over European imperialism, became a symbol of resistance and unity. Yet, 129 years later, the commemoration of this historic event is overshadowed by a grim paradox: the very land where Ethiopians once united to repel fascism—Adwa and its surrounding villages—has become the stage for modern atrocities. In October 2022, Eritrean soldiers, allied with Ethiopian federal forces, massacred civilians in Mariam Shewito, a village synonymous with Adwa’s legacy. This article explores the intertwined narratives of Ethiopia’s past glory and present trauma, examining how the Tigrayan heroes of Adwa have become victims of a war that betrays their ancestors’ sacrifices.
The Battle of Adwa: Tigray’s Pivotal Role
The Battle of Adwa was not merely an Ethiopian victory but a Tigrayan-led triumph. Key figures like **Ras Alula Aba Nega** and **Ras Mengesha Yohannes** marshaled their forces to defend Ethiopia’s sovereignty. Ras Alula, a seasoned general, had previously routed Italian-backed incursions, while Ras Mengesha, son of Emperor Yohannes IV, commanded central Tigrayan battalions. Together, their armies formed the backbone of Emperor Menelik II’s coalition.
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