How did the Treaty of Addis Ababa affect relations between Ethiopia and Italy?

The Treaty of Addis Ababa, signed on October 26, 1896, fundamentally reshaped relations between Ethiopia and Italy following the decisive Ethiopian victory at the Battle of Adwa.12

The treaty had the following key effects on the relationship:

• Abrogation of the Treaty of Wichale: The agreement formally nullified the Treaty of Wichale, which had been the source of intense conflict due to a mistranslated article that Italy used to claim a protectorate over Ethiopia.13
• Recognition of Sovereignty: Italy officially abandoned its claim to a protectorate over Ethiopia and acknowledged the country's absolute independence.12
• Territorial Settlement: The treaty restored lands south of the Mareb and Muna rivers to Ethiopia. Furthermore, it established a peace that allowed for the eventual delimitation of the border between Ethiopia and the Italian colony of Eritrea.12

By securing these terms, Ethiopia successfully preserved its sovereignty during the Scramble for Africa, transforming the nation into a significant symbol of resistance against European imperialism.23