Today, Ethiopia marked the 130th anniversary of its victory against the Italian aggressors.
One hundred and thirty years ago today, Ethiopians made extraordinary and illustrious history. Gallant Ethiopian patriots, who had marched by the thousands, squared off against heavily armed Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa. The patriots crushed the aggressors, dealing a massive blow to the Italian leadership and providing a source of pride and inspiration for all Black people then under European colonization.
The victory set a new precedent at the time, proving that Black forces could defeat white colonizers. Ethiopia also played a significant role in the anti-colonial struggles of many African countries.
At the anniversary event held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, high-ranking government, military, and civil officials were present. President Taye Atske Selassie, House Speaker Tagese Chaffo, Chief of Staff Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebe, and senior leaders of the Ethiopian Ancient Patriots Association laid wreaths at the museum to honor the patriots.
Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the sea was a central theme in nearly all the officials’ speeches. It was suggested that the country’s landlocked status currently overshadows the illustrious victory of Adwa.
President Taye stressed that the future of 120 million people will only be brightened once the nation secures access to the sea.
Ethiopia made it clear that accessing the Red Sea is a matter of national existence, appealing to countries in the region to engage in negotiations.
