Ethiopians today colorfully celebrate the 126th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, the first black nation victory over the Western colonizers.
“Many of our enemies repeatedly tried to violate the sovereignty and independence of Ethiopia, but none of them succeeded. Thanks to the freedom-loving sons and daughters of our country, we successfully resisted all of the attacks and stood tall and proud throughout our long history!” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Demeke Mekonnen in his message.
“We were able to stay free because we chose to unify our forces and solidify our strength, and there is no other testament to that than the victory of Adwa. We celebrate Adwa not only as a Victory Day against tyranny but as a day that opened the gates of freedom for our African brothers and sisters by inspiring anti-colonialism struggles,” he said.
“Ethiopians today are firm to preserve the independence of their country, guided by the spirits of the success of their forefathers and mothers. Unity was the key to breaking free of the chains of oppression, but it also is indispensable to grow and shine together.”
History has recorded that in March 1896 a well-disciplined and massive Ethiopian army did the unthinkable—it routed an invading Italian force and brought Italy’s war of conquest in Africa to an end.