ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — In a significant display of international solidarity and recognition, leaders and ministers from various countries visited the Adwa Victory Memorial, inaugurated last week by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The memorial, situated in the heart of Ethiopia’s capital, serves as a tribute to the historic 1896 victory over Italian invaders, a pivotal moment in the struggle for African independence and against global colonialism.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the visit by these dignitaries occurred on the sidelines of the African Union summit, highlighting the memorial’s importance not only to Ethiopia but also as a symbol of Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial resistance worldwide. Among the notable figures who visited the site were Success Masra, Prime Minister of the Transitional Government of Chad, and Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. They, along with several ministers and heads of institutions from African countries, toured the 5-hectare site located in Piassa, the center of Addis Ababa.
The Adwa Victory Memorial, through its collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs, offers insights into the Battle of Adwa, Ethiopian history, and the broader anti-colonial struggle. It stands as a testament to the valor, resilience, and heroism of the Ethiopian people who fought against colonial aggression, sparking a wave of rebellion and inspiring the fight for freedom and independence across Africa and beyond.
The establishment of the memorial in Addis Ababa underscores Ethiopia’s central role in the historical narrative of African resistance and the enduring legacy of the Adwa victory in fostering a spirit of independence and justice around the world.
ADDIS ABABA — The inauguration of the Adwa Victory Memorial in Addis Ababa has been marked by the attendance of international dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Chad, Succès Masra, who praised the monument as a beacon of African pride, independence, and glory. The ceremony coincided with the 37th AU Ordinary Summit, drawing leaders and ministers from around the world to Ethiopia’s capital.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the memorial not only celebrates Ethiopia’s historical victory in the battle of Adwa but also serves as a vital reminder of Africa’s enduring spirit of freedom and unity. The Adwa Victory Memorial, featuring statues of Emperor Menelik II, Empress Taytu Betul, and key generals, commemorates the Ethiopian forces’ triumph and the broader implications for pan-Africanism and the struggle for liberation.
Masra, among the visitors at the memorial, expressed his gratitude towards the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, and the Ethiopian people for their efforts in preserving the memory of this pivotal moment in African history. He highlighted the significance of the memorial in inspiring Africans with a sense of pride and a renewed commitment to freedom. “As prime minister of Chad, I think I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and people of the country for making sure that this Ethiopian and African spirit for freedom is alive so that every African can come here and go back with a lot of pride and knowing it would be possible to be free and should remain free so that we will be able to handle our future,” Masra stated.
Masra’s comments also touched on the importance of African unity and the lessons of humanity demonstrated by Ethiopians during the Adwa battle, particularly their treatment of captured Italian soldiers. This act of humanity, as depicted in the memorial museum, provides a profound lesson for all, emphasizing the Ethiopian commitment to protect their land while maintaining a principle of humanity.
The Adwa Victory Memorial stands as a testament to Ethiopia’s role in the global narrative of struggle and liberation, offering a place of reflection and inspiration for Africans and visitors from across the globe. Masra’s visit and remarks underscore the continuing relevance of the Adwa victory in fostering a sense of unity and pride among Africans today.