Adwa Inspires Unity and Purpose for Ethiopia’s Prosperity, Says Mayor Adanech

Addis Ababa, March 2, 2026 (ENA) —Addis  Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie has urged Ethiopians to move beyond commemorating ancestral valor, calling on the current generation to embrace a renewed urgency in building a legacy of modern-day achievements.

The Victory of Adwa, commemorated this year in its 130th anniversary, stands as a monumental chapter in both Ethiopian and African history.

On March 1, 1896, Ethiopian forces under Emperor Menelik II delivered a decisive victory against the Italian army at the Battle of Adwa, a triumph that not only safeguarded Ethiopia’s sovereignty but also sent a powerful message of resistance against colonialism on the African continent.

This victory has since been celebrated as a symbol of national pride, resilience, and the enduring spirit of independence that continues to inspire generations across Ethiopia and the wider African diaspora.

Speaking at the occasion, held under the theme “Glorious Past, Radiant Horizon,” Mayor Adanech described the historic triumph as a beacon of independence and a monumental symbol of unity for all Black people and Africans.

Reflecting on the occasion, she emphasized that the celebration is a solemn vow to transform the bravery of the past into tangible prosperity for Ethiopia’s future.
"Today's Victory of Adwa is a grand history of heroism that serves as a pride for Black people, a lantern of freedom for Africans, and a symbol of unity and liberty," she said.
"As we celebrate under the theme 'Glorious Past, Radiant Horizon,' we do so by learning from the heroism of the past and pledging ourselves to the future prosperity of our country."

Mayor Adanech highlighted that the enduring lesson of Adwa is the necessity of standing together.

Despite internal differences, she stressed that Ethiopians must remain united in defending national sovereignty and the dignity of citizenship.
"The greatest thing Adwa taught us is that even if we have differences in our internal affairs, we must stand together without being divided when it comes to national sovereignty and the honor of our citizenship," she noted.

She reminded the audience that the heroes of Adwa set aside differences to cement Ethiopia’s inviolable status through their sacrifices, urging the youth to resolve disagreements through dialogue and embrace their historic duty to protect national interests.

Redefining heroism for the modern era, Mayor Adanech asserted that patriotism today extends beyond the battlefield.

"Heroism is not only about defeating an invader on the battlefield; today, heroism includes bravely overcoming poverty, backwardness, and division," she explained.

Just as the patriots of old defended the land, she said, the current generation must secure sovereignty through knowledge and labor. She cited initiatives like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Wheat Initiative, the Green Legacy Initiative, and the Corridor Development as “Adwa victories of the new age.”

Further emphasizing Ethiopia’s progress, Mayor Adanech highlighted strategic efforts to address historical injustices, including securing maritime access, as essential to building a multi-layered legacy.

Describing Adwa as a “great school of patriotism,” she insisted that Ethiopia’s visible achievements today demonstrate that monumental goals can be attained through dedicated effort.

"Beyond merely remembering the history of our former patriots, let us rise with a sense of urgency to create great and overlapping histories in our own time," she urged.

Mayor Adanech concluded by affirming that Ethiopia will continue to live in honor and dignity through the continued dedication and sacrifice of its people.