By Sujaja M
Recent reports indicate that Egypt has deployed 10,000 soldiers to Somalia, a move that has raised concerns across the region. For Ethiopia, this deployment revives memories of historical conflicts with Egypt, where Ethiopia emerged victorious on both occasions. History teaches us that Ethiopia is not only resilient but also fiercely protective of its sovereignty. Egypt would do well to remember these lessons before provoking a nation that has twice defended its land and people with success.
The First Italo-Egyptian War: The Battle of Gundet (1875)
The first major conflict between Ethiopia and Egypt occurred in 1875. At that time, Egypt, under the Khedive Ismail Pasha, sought to expand its empire southward into the Horn of Africa. The Khedive, eager to annex Ethiopia, sent an expeditionary force of about 3,000 soldiers, well-equipped with modern weapons and supported by European advisors. The Egyptian forces, confident in their technological superiority, underestimated the Ethiopian resistance.
On November 16, 1875, the Egyptian army encountered the Ethiopian forces led by Emperor Yohannes IV at Gundet, in the highlands of Eritrea (then part of the Ethiopian Empire). Despite their numerical and technological advantages, the Egyptian troops were unprepared for the challenging terrain and the fierce determination of the Ethiopian warriors. In a decisive battle, the Ethiopians overwhelmed the Egyptians, who suffered heavy casualties, with most of their forces either killed or captured. This stunning victory not only halted Egypt’s expansionist ambitions but also solidified Ethiopia’s reputation as a formidable military power.
The Second Italo-Egyptian War: The Battle of Gura (1876)
Undeterred by their defeat at Gundet, Egypt launched a second invasion in 1876, this time with a much larger force of around 13,000 soldiers. The Egyptian army, again bolstered by European officers and armed with advanced weaponry, believed they could succeed where they had previously failed. Their objective was to break Ethiopian resistance once and for all and secure control over the strategic highlands of the Horn of Africa.
In March 1876, the two armies met at Gura, not far from the site of the previous battle. The Egyptian forces established fortified positions and expected to wear down the Ethiopian army through superior firepower. However, the Ethiopian forces, again under the command of Emperor Yohannes IV, employed brilliant tactics to outmaneuver the Egyptians. Over the course of two days, the Ethiopians launched relentless assaults on the Egyptian positions, eventually breaching their defenses and forcing them into a chaotic retreat. The Egyptian army suffered a catastrophic defeat, with thousands killed and many more captured, including several high-ranking officers.
The Battle of Gura was a decisive moment in Ethiopian history. It reaffirmed Ethiopia’s sovereignty and deterred further Egyptian attempts at invasion. The victories at Gundet and Gura sent a clear message that Ethiopia was not a nation to be trifled with, and that its people were prepared to defend their land at all costs.
Lessons for Today and the Future
These historical victories are not just footnotes in Ethiopia’s past; they are a testament to the nation’s enduring strength and strategic brilliance. Any modern attempt by Egypt to provoke Ethiopia could very well lead to a repeat of history, with dire consequences for those who underestimate Ethiopia’s resolve.
However, in this era, Africa must rise above the cycle of conflict and manipulation. Wars in Africa often serve the interests of powerful global entities, particularly weapons manufacturers and international financial institutions, rather than the nations involved. These entities thrive on the instability of the continent, reaping profits while African countries bear the brunt of destruction and loss.
African politicians must recognize that war is not a matter of winning or losing. It is a destructive force that undermines development, tears apart communities, and stifles progress. In the end, wars leave both nations weakened, vulnerable to exploitation, and dependent on external powers, including the IMF, for recovery and rebuilding.
As the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Ethiopia is more than ready to defend its sovereignty, not just to resist, but to utterly humiliate any aggressor. However, the true challenge lies in avoiding war altogether. Africa’s future depends on its ability to resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than through violence and destruction.
Africa must smarten up to the games played by external forces that seek to destabilize the continent for profit. By rejecting war and embracing peace, African nations can break free from the cycle of exploitation and build a future where stability and prosperity are the norms, not the exceptions.
In conclusion, Egypt should reconsider its actions and avoid the path of conflict. Ethiopia has shown time and again that it is a formidable opponent, and history is not on Egypt’s side. But more importantly, Africa as a whole must reject the lure of war, understanding that true strength lies not in battle, but in unity, stability, and the pursuit of peace.
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Thank you a million!!!
Oh Egypt, take heed. You will certainly be hoisted by your own petard
Oh Egypt, take heed. You will certainly be hoisted by your own petard
Oh Egypt, take heed. You will certainly be hoisted by your own petard