Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his message on the eve of the 129th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, underscored that the victory has remained a testament to Ethiopians and their appreciation for universal human values.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Prime Minister stated that Ethiopians are celebrating with immense pride the 129th great Adwa Victory, a battle that ultimately became a campaign for peace. As Adwa Victory is inarguably the most seminal moment in Ethiopia’s history, the Prime Minister explained how Ethiopians had consistently shown a firm commitment to peace before the Adwa campaign.
Their dedication was so resolute that despite repeated threats and provocations from the enemy, they chose to endure rather than retaliate, Abiy noted. The Premier recalled that the invading Italian army recruited and armed bandits, attempted to infiltrate the Ethiopian government with agents, spread terror, and sought to undermine Ethiopia both domestically and internationally.
Despite these provocations, Ethiopia stood firm, demonstrating patience and preparing for a last resort, the Prime Minister noted. According to him, Ethiopians have long understood the harsh realities of war, shaped by centuries of experience, and that has made them value peace above all. ‘They will go to extraordinary lengths to avoid conflict, even beyond what might be expected. But when peace is threatened, and all peaceful avenues are exhausted, Ethiopians march for peace and fight to protect it,’ he underscored.
The Prime Minister further explained that the Adwa campaign was no different. Despite repeated calls for peace, the PM stated that the enemy forces opted for war and Ethiopia’s plea for peace was met with arrogance. He added the Italian invaders underestimated Ethiopia and mistook its pursuit of peace as fear and weakness.
For the Premier, the Battle of Adwa was a confrontation between those who sought peace and those who sought war. ‘This is one of the key reasons for our victory. It also explains why, after the battle, we did not fall into cycles of revenge or hatred. We fought for peace, not for war,’ he remarked.
Consequently, the Prime Minister underscored that the victory at Adwa reinforced Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to universal values. The victory also demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stand firm against injustice while remaining open to peaceful dialogue, he further stated.
Prime Minister Abiy concluded by clarifying that, as descendants of the Adwa veterans, the Ethiopian people continue to carry forward their legacy. He further revealed that Ethiopians still remain steadfast in peace, adding ‘we choose the path of peace, but are always prepared to defend it like our forefathers.’