Addis Ababa: Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) Chief of Staff, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, has described Adwa as a victory that shattered colonial ambitions and inspired generations. Ethiopia is commemorating the 129th anniversary of the monumental Adwa victory that continues to symbolize African resistance, unity, and self-determination today.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, speaking at the celebration held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, Field Marshal Birhanu said the Victory of Adwa was not just a military triumph, but also a victory that forced the collapse of the sinister plans laid out at the Berlin Conference to divide Africa. He emphasized that Adwa was a defining moment for Africa, proving that the continent could resist foreign domination and assert its sovereignty.
The Victory of Adwa made Ethiopia a beacon of freedom and inspired colonized peoples across the globe to fight for their independence,’ he noted. The field marshal also pointed out that the battle demonstrated the power of unity, as Ethiopians from all walks of life set aside their differences to defend their homeland under the leadership of Emperor Menelik II.
Moreover, Ethiopian National Defense Force Chief of Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula has called on Ethiopians to draw lessons from Adwa and continue the legacy of resilience and patriotism. ‘From Adwa, we must learn to love our flag, our country, and to uphold our national interests,’ he said. Field Marshal Birhanu further underscored the importance of preserving the spirit of Adwa in addressing contemporary challenges, and ensuring Ethiopia’s continued progress.
Reflecting on the global impact of Adwa, he stated that ‘the victory at Adwa forced the world to recognize that all human beings are equal, and it instilled a sense of pride and self-confidence among Black people everywhere.’ The triumph also served as a powerful lesson to colonized people that even seemingly invincible oppressors could be defeated through courage and unity, he noted.
The Battle of Adwa, fought on March 1, 1896, saw Ethiopian forces decisively defeat Italian colonial troops, making Ethiopia the first African nation to successfully resist European colonization. The anniversary celebration in Addis Ababa was attended by President Taye Atske Selassie, House of People’s Representative Speaker Tagesse Chafo, House of Federation Speaker Agegnehu Teshager, Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, and former African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, among other dignitaries.
As Ethiopia commemorates this historic victory, the legacy of Adwa continues to resonate, reminding Africans of their capacity to overcome adversity and chart their own destiny. The 129th anniversary of Adwa stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance and the unyielding pursuit of freedom that defines Ethiopia and the African continent.