Ethiopia Says, "No"
By Aly McKinnon
March 5, 1896
Today marks the recognition of Emperor Menelik II’s first step in truly claiming his right to power. Seven years ago, Emperor Menelik II invoked dissent when he signed 
the Treaty of Wichale, hereby initiating a partnership with the Italian conquerors. Menelik defended himself by claiming that the treaty ensured Ethiopia’s independence of Italy; however, the Ethiopians were unsupportive of his faith in the Italians based on European conquest in other areas of Africa.
As we step up to the plate and regain our territory, Ethiopia sets a higher standard for Africa as a whole. Through the process of becoming a role model for the defeated state of Africa, Ethiopian faith has been renewed in our great leader.
“I have no intention of being an indifferent spectator if far-distant Powers make their appearance with the idea of dividing Africa,” stated the emperor following his loss of support. (1) Sadly, however, this statement failed to rally followers.
The termination of the Treaty of Wichale only served to weaken our nation even further, while increased taxes that we were obligated to pay in an attempt to level off heavy debts heightened Ethiopia’s detestation of European forces. Additionally, degenerating support for our government was accompanied by famine and disbanding of the empire; however the Italians had been in Ethiopia long enough, and it was finally time for the nation to take a stance.
Four days ago, Emperor Menelik seized the situation and gathered his force of 120, 000 men. With them he approached the Italians. It was a complete annihilation, where 70 percent of the Italians were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. (2)
At long last, Ethiopia is finally free. Our liberated nation provides an example for the rest of Africa and its duty to resist European conquest. Europe has no right to base its development in Africa and claim a land that was never theirs to begin with.
My support for Menelik has been inconsistent throughout his reign.
With his original call to power, I was doubtful of his abilities as a leader. My indifference to his leadership grew into disdain as he led Ethiopia into a state of dependence and subordination to the Europeans.
When Menelik decided to stand up to the Italian oppressors, however, my belief in our leader was rejuvenated. He has not only freed our nation, but he has also promised to expand our territory to the south, west, and east in a motion to improve our economic growth. (3) With this expansion, we will no longer be inferior to the Europeans, or require their assistance in stabilizing our economy. In addition to restoring the economy, Menelik promises to trade for modern weapons and to deal with the famine and disease that plague our nation. (4)
The new treaty enacted by Menelik following the Battle of Adwa, the Treaty of Addis Ababa, demonstrates Menelik’s ability to direct a united front. The Treaty of Wichale is now officially null and void, and Italy is no longer a presence in our territory. Continued support for our established leader along with our newfound power and respect promises an optimistic future for Ethiopia. Ethiopia is ready to expand and conquer Africa, all as a result of one statement; today, “Ethiopia says ‘No!’”
Footnotes
Text
(1)“Menelik II, ” Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. (1998). Available from: Gale, History Resource Center: World, Menlo School Lib. <http://library.menloschool.org> (accessed December 4, 2005).
(2)Ibid
(3) Charles W. McClellan, Colonialism (Santa Barbara: Melvin E. Page, 2003), 194.
(4)“Ethiopia,” in Africa: An Encyclopedia for Students, ed. John Middleton (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 2002), 33.
Images
(1) Emperor Menelik II. (image). The Glory and Tragedy of Africa. <http://www.geocities.com/lord10kyears/africa.html> (accessed 6 December 2005)
(2) Buffet, Paul. Menelik II at the Battle of Adwa. (image). History of Eritrea <http://home.wxs.nl/~hans.mebrat/eritrea-history.htm> (accessed 6 December 2005)