Why did Menilek II reject Italy’s claim that Ethiopia was an Italian protectorate?

Menilek II rejected Italy’s claim of a protectorate over Ethiopia primarily due to a deceptive mistranslation in the Treaty of Wichale, signed in 1889.

Article XVII of the treaty was the source of the conflict. In the Amharic version, the text stated that the emperor of Ethiopia "could" utilize the Italian government for dealings with other foreign powers, which Menilek interpreted as an optional diplomatic convenience. However, the Italian version of the same article used the word "must," which Rome used to proclaim a formal protectorate over all of Ethiopia.123

Upon discovering this discrepancy, Menilek II repudiated the Italian interpretation in 1890 and officially denounced the entire treaty in 1893. He viewed the loss of sovereignty as inconceivable for his nation. Following Italy's attempt to enforce this claim through military force, Menilek II decisively defeated the Italian army at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. This victory led to the Treaty of Addis Ababa, which formally abrogated the Treaty of Wichale and forced Italy to acknowledge Ethiopia's absolute independence.1243