The Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic Ethiopia to Uganda and Burundi Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu on Friday, March 1st joined the Ethiopian community in Uganda and friends of Ethiopia in commemorating the 128th anniversary of Ethiopia’s triumph against the Colonial Army of Italy in the Battle of Adwa.
In Early March 1896, Under the Command of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taitu, a vast and disciplined Ethiopian army comprising people from all backgrounds and ethnicities marched together and accomplished the unthinkable: it routed an invading well-armed colonial Italian force.
It ended Italy’s war of conquest in Africa. In that age of relentless European expansion, Ethiopia had successfully defended its independence and cast doubt upon an unshakable certainty of the age.
This Victory of Adwa marked Ethiopia’s defense for restoring its 3,000-year-old sovereignty and territorial integrity history and resonated across Africa, symbolizing resistance against colonial expansion.
Ambassador Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu noted that the significance of this battle extends far beyond military tactics.
“it is an emblematic episode that continues to inspire discussions on nationalism, unity, and the enduring spirit of a continent. It propelled the Pan African Movement for its fountain of pride for millions of people who value their black ancestry and Africa’s efforts to end colonialism, challenging the notorious Berlin Conference’s carving up of the Continent”.
She added that what makes the 128th anniversary of Adwa’s victory special is that it is celebrated after the Addis Ababa city administration built and inaugurated an excellent museum that can very well commemorate the victory.
A monumental project located at the center of the capital encompasses a museum, meeting halls, spaces for theatrical performances, a library, an art gallery, an exhibition center, and other facilities, all dedicated to honoring the heroes and heroines of the historic triumph and Africans.
The memorial is a legacy from the present African generation to the one that will hopefully continue the historical achievements of the Battle of Adwa.
“Adwa is our emblem of bravery, tenacity, and solidarity, and with the spirit of Adwa, this Generation has built the Renaissance Dam, Gorgora, Wenche, Koisha, and Geraltaand Continue to build.
“While commemorating the 128th anniversary, we take an oath to keep the pace of our fathers and are determined to safeguard our country’s Unity and well-being”.
