February is a significant month in Ethiopian history, marked by several pivotal events that shaped the nation’s trajectory. I share this Ethiopian history, even as it is full of military battles, to help you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, to understand the context in which the Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) operates. MKC believes in peace and has been involved in peacebuilding ministries through prayers, training, facilitating community dialogue, mediating reconciliation and prison ministry in different parts of the country.

1. The  Battle of Adwa

The Battle of Adwa occurred from February 27 to March 1, 1896, in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia, involving a confrontation between Italian and Ethiopian forces. As part of the broader scramble for Africa, Italy sought to colonize Ethiopia. When the Ethiopians resisted, Italy declared war to impose its will by force. The Ethiopian forces successfully repelled the invaders at the Battle of Adwa, marking a significant milestone as the first instance in Africa where an African nation triumphed over a European colonizer during the colonial era. The Ethiopians united in their struggle against the invaders, transcending differences in ethnicity, religion, class, and gender. A local saying encapsulates this spirit: “A web of spiders can tie a lion,” illustrating how collective strength can lead to extraordinary victories. In Addis Ababa, the Adwa Museum was established, allowing visitors to delve deeper into this pivotal moment in history at the heart of the capital city.

2. Bank of Abyssinia

The Bank of Abyssinia, established on February 16, 1906, holds the distinction of being Ethiopia’s first commercial bank, inaugurated by Emperor Menelik II. This milestone marked a significant step towards the modernization of the Ethiopian financial landscape. Today, Ethiopia has over 30 commercial banks, including the recent introduction of Islamic banks that adhere to Sharia law. In December 2024, the Ethiopian government took a pivotal step in its economic reform by opening the financial sector to foreign investors for the first time.

3. The Addis Ababa Massacre

Italy, seeking to avenge its humiliating defeat by the Ethiopians at the Battle of Adwa, invaded Ethiopia in 1936. In response, the Ethiopian patriots employed various strategies to resist the Italians. During a meeting held by the Italian army leader at the present-day Mekonen Hall in Addis Ababa University, two young Ethiopian men threw a bomb at him, injuring the commander. In retaliation, he ordered the massacre of innocent civilians in Addis Ababa, resulting in the deaths of approximately 30,000 people on February 19, 1937. Despite this brutal oppression, the Ethiopians persisted in their resistance for five years, ultimately achieving victory in 1941. To remember the massacre, the Yekatit 12 monument was erected in Addis Ababa.

4. February Revolution

Ethiopians grew increasingly disillusioned with the feudal system and sought significant change. Young military elites attempted to stage a coup d’état to depose the emperor, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Resistance emerged sporadically across the country. The pivotal moment came in February 1974 when soldiers in Negele Borana, located in southern Ethiopia, revolted against the imperial regime. This uprising garnered support from various segments of society, including farmers, taxi drivers, and students, ultimately leading to the overthrow of the feudal system in Ethiopia. On September 12, 1974, a group of military leaders known as the Derg ousted Emperor Haile Selassie I and assumed control. The Derg implemented a socialist system, which plunged the nation into further challenges for the next 17 years. While people are willing to fight and make sacrifices for change, the most critical aspect lies in how that change is managed. 

5. The resignation of the Prime Minister

Following the overthrow of the communist regime in 1991, the ruling party in Ethiopia became increasingly unpopular by 2016. The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) sought to expand the territory of Addis Ababa, the capital, proposing an Addis Ababa Integrated Master Plan that would encompass a radius of approximately 100 kilometers around the city. This initiative sparked the Oromo youth movement, which opposed the plan, viewing it as a land grab from Oromo farmers. Support for the movement grew as youth from other ethnic groups joined in solidarity. In response, the government led by Haile Mariam Desalegn declared a state of emergency, yet it struggled to contain the escalating unrest. Ultimately, in a historic turn of events, the prime minister resigned in February 2018, marking the first peaceful resignation of a prime minister in Ethiopia’s history.

A final note: As Ethiopians, we take pride in our nation’s resilience against colonization. However, it is paradoxical that the Ethiopian rulers have often failed to extend true freedom to their citizens. The triumph over foreign invaders would hold greater meaning if our leaders embraced and upheld the principles of freedom, democracy and equality for all. While Ethiopians successfully repelled external threats, it is disheartening to acknowledge that internal strife has led to an even greater loss of life. Historical accounts suggest that internal conflicts have claimed more lives than those lost in battles against foreign adversaries. As we reflect on our past, we must recognize and abandon the behaviors that hinder our progress toward freedom, equality, and lasting peace.