Adwa Memorial Museum – A Symbol of Ethiopia’s resilience in face of adversity

By Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo & Sualah Abdul-wahab 

The Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa stands as a powerful testament to Ethiopia’s resilience and a celebration of its significant victory over colonialism during the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The state-of-the-art museum is not just a repository of artifacts but also a solemn reminder of the selfless and ultimate sacrifices made during the battle of Adwa.

Indeed, the resilience exhibited by the Ethiopian forebears is a vibrant narrative woven into the fabric of Ethiopian identity and pride. GBC’s Correspondents Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo and Sualah Abdul-wahab who had a guided tour of the Adwa Memorial Museum in this special report, say as they approached the museum, they were greeted by the eye-catching statues of Emperor Menelik II and his wife Empress Tayitul Betul clad in historical regalia.

The statues of Emperor Menelik and Empress Tayitul serve as a focal point for the museum, reminding all visitors of the collective effort that led to a defining moment in African history. The statues of horsemen are another exciting spectacle to behold.

Emperor Menelik II was the visionary Ethiopian leader who united various ethnic groups to defend their homeland against Italian aggression and ensure that his country remained independent. Empress Tayitul played key roles during the Adwa campaign and battle, contributing greatly to the victory with strategic insights. She is on record for orchestrating the capture of a strategic water source from the Italian forces, leading to their withdrawal.

The Battle of Adwa in 1896 was a pivotal moment in Ethiopian history, marked not only by the bravery of its soldiers but also by the strategic leadership of twelve remarkable army commanders. Each played a crucial role in uniting Ethiopia’s diverse regions to confront the Italian forces.

The 12 army commanders who led the various ethnic groups and regions have been immortalised with their statues erected on 12 columns at the Museum.

Our tour guide, Amanuel Zewdu, shared a perspective that the battle of Adwa broke the myth surrounding European invincibility and set the tone for African liberation fighters like Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and his contemporaries in their quest for independence.

The museum, which is meticulously curated, showcases a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle the events leading to the battle and its aftermath.

One of the most poignant exhibits features the traditional spears and rifles used by Ethiopian soldiers vis-à-vis the Italian military gear, illustrating the stark contrast between the two armies.

The juxtaposition emphasises the bravery of the Ethiopian forces, who, despite being less equipped, relied on their knowledge of the terrain and unwavering determination to secure victory.

The significance of the Adwa Memorial Museum extends beyond its historical artifacts. It serves as a space for education and reflection, attracting people from all walks of life to engage with Ethiopia’s rich heritage. The museum fosters a sense of pride, particularly among the younger generation, who are inspired to honour their ancestors’ sacrifices.

The victory at Adwa is not just an Ethiopian story; it is an African story, one that resonates across the continent and serves as a beacon of hope for those who strive for self-determination to uphold the spirit of Adwa, which is imbued with resilience.

Mr Amanuel Zewdu talked about the compass-image located at the Centre of Adwa Victory Memorial, which serves as the benchmark for measuring or determining the distance of locations within and outside Ethiopia.

The place designated as 0-0 Kilometre-Reference Point is a symbolic representation of the location where those who fought the Italians converged on before going to Adwa, which is 996 kilometres from Addis Ababa to fight in 1896.

The Victory Memorial Park is equally another part of Adwa Victory Memorial that attracts a lot of visitors as a result of its outdoor nature.

More stories here