American Analyst Urges Ethiopians to Embrace Spirit of Adwa for Nation’s Future

ADDIS ABABA — On the occasion of the 128th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, American political-economic analyst Lawrence Freeman emphasized the importance of Ethiopians revitalizing the spirit of Adwa to forge a strong nation for both present and future generations. This call to action was made during an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), where Freeman highlighted the historic victory as a cornerstone of African resistance against colonialism.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Freeman elaborated on how the victory over Italian imperial forces on March 1, 1896, not only destabilized European imperialism but also became a rallying point for Africans and African-Americans. He credited the event with inspiring liberation movements across Africa in the 1960s and 1970s, and noted its enduring significance as a unique example of effective resistance by an African nation.

Freeman underscored the unity among Ethiopians during the battle of Adwa, where differences were set aside to secure freedom from colonial forces. He suggested that modern Ethiopians could draw from this legacy to address current challenges, proposing that “the best way to guarantee a strong future for their grandchildren” is by embodying the unity and determination demonstrated at Adwa.

The analyst also commended Ethiopia for inaugurating the Adwa Victory Memorial earlier this month, which serves to honor the nation’s heroes and heroines. He argued that the memorial could play a crucial role in educating and inspiring future generations about Ethiopia’s unique historical achievement.

Furthermore, Freeman spoke on Ethiopia’s economic prospects, describing the country’s potential for growth as “virtually boundless” and acknowledging its role as a leader in East Africa. He pointed to Ethiopia’s efforts in regional integration, such as exporting electricity from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to neighboring countries, and its recent accession to the BRICS group, as indicators of its leadership and potential for further economic development in the region.