Ethiopia and Somalia Pledge Stronger Cooperation with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Visit to Somalia
Ethiopia inks an Agreement to establish a Joint Corridor Management Authority
Ethiopia Commences Its Third Term at the United Nations Human Rights Council
First BRICS Sherpas/Sous Sherpas Meeting for 2025 Held in Brazil
Ethiopia, China’s Jiangsu Province Vow to Deepen Economic and Trade Cooperation
The 129th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa Colourfully Celebrated
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made an official working visit to Somalia on Thursday (27 February) and held extensive talks with President Hassen Sheikh Mohamud on the need to build on previous engagements to strengthen bilateral relations with special emphasis on peace and security, the economy, diplomacy, and opportunities for joint infrastructure development (See Article).
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos paid a working visit to the Republic of South Sudan on Friday (07 March) to discuss further enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos on Tuesday (04 March) received the Ambassador of China to Ethiopia, Ambassador Chen Hai, and exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Minister of Justice, Hanna Araya Selassie on Monday (24 February) addressed the High-Level Segment of the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to human rights, rule of law, and national reconciliation (See Article).
On Friday (28 February), Ethiopia and Brazil held their third political consultation in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia, co-chaired by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga and Secretary for Africa and the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Ambassador Carlos Duarte.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga on Tuesday (04 March) met with visiting State Secretary to Minister for Migration Johan Forssell at the Ministry of Justice of Sweden, Anders Hall and discussed further strengthening cooperation and capacity building support in the justice sector.
State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga conferred with the Regional Director for International Organization for Migration (IOM) East, Horn and Southern Africa, Franz Celestine on ways of further strengthening cooperation between Ethiopia and the UN agency on migration and related issues.
Governments of Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan and Uganda on Thursday (27 February) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the Djibouti-Ethiopia-South Sudan-Uganda (DESSU) Corridor Authority (See Article).
Trade and Regional Integration State Minister Yasmin Wohabrebbi during a press conference on Wednesday (05 March) disclosed that Ethiopia will be hosting the 6th COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) Trade Fair and Business Conference in Addis Ababa from 05 to 09 May 2025. She said, the event aims to empower women entrepreneurs across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region.
An Ethiopian delegation led by National Bank Governor and Ethiopia’s BRICS Sherpa Mamo Mihretu along with Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ethiopia’s Sous Sherpa on Tuesday (25 February) took part in the First Meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas for 2025 in Brasilia, Brazil (See Article).
An Ethio-Jiangsu (China) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference was held at Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (25 February) to explore trade and investment opportunities (See Article).
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) announced on Tuesday (04 March) that it has netted more than USD 61 million from the sale of electricity to neighbouring countries over the past six months while undertaking infrastructure upgrades to enhance power supply reliability.
On Wednesday (05 March), Addis Ababa hosted the 2nd Ethiopia-Kenya Business Conference jointly organised by Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA) and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), aimed at scaling up trade and investment ties between the two countries.
Ethiopians from all walks of life colourfully celebrated the 129th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa in the Capital, Addis Ababa under the theme “Adwa is the Victory of Black People” (See Article).
Kenya
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in charge of the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, on Tuesday (04 March) disclosed that Kenya will publish its national strategy on artificial intelligence (AI) by May 2025, considering the fast-growing popularity of the technology.
Somalia
The United Nations Security Council on Monday (03 March) extended its authorization for Member States to intercept vessels transporting banned items to and from Somalia, including illegal arms imports and charcoal exports, until 13 December 2025, also renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Al-Shabaab sanctions regime until 13 January 2026.
South Sudan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Wednesday (05 March) welcomed its newly appointed Undersecretary, Ambassador Agnes Adlino Orifa Oswaha.
Africa and the African Union
The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) on Wednesday (05 March) signed the EU-African Union Partnership Performance Acceleration Programme (AUPPAP), a financing agreement designed to promote integrated development and capacity building across Africa, which complements the existing support provided by the EU and its Member States under the AU-EU partnership.
The AU Commission joined the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE) on Tuesday (04 March) in a bid to enhance collaboration on policy development, knowledge sharing, and implementation of SSE solutions.
Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency – New Partnerships for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Nardos Bekele-Thomas, in an Op-Ed published in African Business Magazine on Wednesday (05 March) stated that South Africa’s 2025 G20 presidency advances Africa’s development through debt relief, clean energy, and sustainability while emphasizing African-led solutions and global solidarity to drive meaningful progress under Agenda 2063.
Ethiopia and Somalia Pledge Stronger Cooperation with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Visit to Somalia
A month after the visit of the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed paid a historic visit to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu on 27 February 2025. The Prime Minister’s entourage comprised senior government ministers, including Gedion Timothewos, Foreign Minister of Ethiopia. This visit marks a significant step toward strengthening the diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Upon arrival at Mogadishu Aden Abdulle International Airport, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegation were warmly welcomed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama and several other ministers. Mogadishu was also seen decorated with images of the leadership of the two countries. The intensive bilateral discussions were equally productive. As the Joint Communiqué issued following the discussions indicates, the two leaders deliberated on a wide range of issues, reaching important understandings to further enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries and jointly work to ensure peace and security in the region.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of building trust through enhanced diplomatic, economic, and social cooperation, recognizing the deep historical ties and shared border between their nations. Stressing the interdependence of the two countries, the leaders underscored the importance of building on the shared vision and common destiny to ensure regional stability and prosperity. Furthermore, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, further indicating that Ethiopia and Somalia pledged to deepen their collaboration in critical areas of mutual interest, including security, economic growth, and regional stability.
Moreover, the statement underscores the commitment of the two countries to combating shared security challenges, fostering trade and investment, and promoting peace in the Horn of Africa. This follows similar understandings reached during the visit of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Addis Ababa, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit. The leaders also noted the improvements in the bilateral relations following their continued engagements. To further solidify relations, the leaders directed their respective officials to intensify engagements with the aim of enhancing the economic, social, and cultural interactions.
The legal and institutional framework established with the First Joint Ministerial Meeting held in Somalia provides a strong foundation for the efforts the two nations make to diversify their cooperation. Similarly, and of course as noted and welcomed by the two leaders, the commencement of technical talks in Ankara, as agreed in the Ankara Declaration, provides a platform to further engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation between the two countries with the aim of addressing both security and economic issues.
Ethiopia inks an Agreement to establish a Joint Corridor Management Authority
Ethiopia, along with Djibouti, South Sudan and Uganda, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to establish a Corridor Management Authority on February 27, 2025. The scheme aims at creating a multilateral institution that will be in charge of trade facilitation, oversee joint development initiatives and optimize transport sector efficiency, including road, rail, and related logistics networks among countries in the Horn of Africa. Harmonizing national policies on customs, transport, environment, health, security regulations, ensuring sustainable development and regional integration were among the objectives that led to the establishment of the Authority.
Recognizing the significant roles such institutions would play in enhancing the volume of intra-regional trade and speeding up integration efforts, Ethiopia has pioneered the idea and is working firmly towards its realization. In this regard, MOU was signed between Ethiopia and Djibouti to establish a bilateral Corridor Management Authority in November 2021. This has laid the foundations for more concrete dialogues on the necessity of forming an institution specializing in getting stakeholders together and leading joint efforts to ensure seamless services across trade corridors. Consequently, Joint National Oversight Committee (NOC) and Joint Technical Committee (JTC) have been set up and subsequent meetings were convened. During which, a draft copy of the founding document for the establishment of the Ethiopia-Djibouti Corridor Management Authority (EDCMA) was reviewed.
As a continuation of the efforts made, a high-level meeting was convened on 26 and 27 February 2025 in Djibouti. South Sudan and Uganda were invited to join the dialogue, this time, setting the tone for a more inclusive institution. The meeting reviewed the composition and structure of the proposed Authority. Ministerial and expert-level extensive discussions were also held to build on the prior efforts. In fact, it saw another progression as the focal ministers of Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan, and Uganda were able to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which proposes to establish a quadrilateral Corridor Management Authority (DSSU). As part of their historic commitments to regional integration, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the promising multilateral corridor management authority aims to enhance the economic integration and environmental protection by harmonizing standards and procedures among the signatories.
The corridor management authority aims to promote and bolster efforts to simplify customs procedures, harmonize cross-border regulations, and develop strategic corridors (Djibouti-Ethiopia, Ethiopia-South Sudan, Uganda-South Sudan) in order to reduce logistics costs and streamline trade to transform the Corridor into a Regional Development Economic Corridor aligned with the African Union Agenda 2063.
The DESSU Corridor Management Authority will ensure a regular, efficient, and cost-effective flow of goods, people, and services between and among the four countries. This cooperation is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the ongoing business activities in these four countries and strengthen economic connectivity, peace, and stability in the region.
In light of this, a joint technical committee from the signatories will be established within a week of signing the MoU to oversee the preparation and completion of the agreement (treaty) and the establishment of the DESSU Corridor Management Authority, with the fully-fledged treaty expected to be finalized by the end of May 2025.
Ethiopia Commences Its Third Term at the United Nations Human Rights Council
The 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is currently underway in Geneva. Ethiopia has begun its third three-year term as a member of the 47-member Council. The Session, which runs from February 24 to April 4, 2025, brought together high-level representatives from states, the UN system, and civil society organizations.
At the High-Level Segment, which opened on February 26, Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, reaffirmed the country’s steadfast commitment to the respect, protection, and fulfillment of human rights. The Minister highlighted the steps Ethiopia has taken in areas such as transitional justice, national dialogue, and building institutional capacity to uphold human rights in the country. She also reiterated the importance of strengthening the multilateral human rights system by enhancing constructive engagement and capacity-building at the national level.
It is worth noting that Ethiopia presented its Fourth cycle report in the context of the Universal Peer Review in August 2024. Ethiopia received 328 recommendations from 114 UN member states. In response, Ethiopia submitted its feedback on these recommendations, which is expected to be adopted by the Council toward the end of the ongoing session. Ethiopia has committed to implementing the accepted recommendations as part of its ongoing effort to improve its domestic institutional and normative framework for the protection of human rights.
The Council’s session is proceeding with the consideration of agenda items on thematic issues and country-related reports presented by the respective mechanisms. Ethiopia will present its views and perspectives, contribute to discussions, and engage in negotiations during the session. The session is expected to culminate in the endorsement of several resolutions, the creation of new mandates, and the renewal of existing mandates for human rights mechanisms.
During its tenure on the Human Rights Council, Ethiopia’s priorities include enhancing synergy between national, regional, and UN mechanisms, with a special emphasis on constructive engagement and providing affirmative support to member states. As part of the African Group, Ethiopia will also advocate for group rights, including those of women, children, persons with disabilities, and victims of racism and racial discrimination.
First BRICS Sherpas/Sous Sherpas Meeting for 2025 Held in Brazil
Ethiopia’s delegation, led by Mamo Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia and Ethiopia’s BRICS Sherpa, along with Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ethiopia’s Sous Sherpa, participated in the first meeting of the BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas for 2025. The meeting was held from 25-26 February 2025 in Brasilia, Brazil. Sherpas and Sous Sherpas from all BRICS member states attended this inaugural meeting for the year.
Mauro Vieira, Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, opened the meeting, underscoring Brazil’s commitment to consolidating the BRICS platform and emphasizing the relevance of the grouping in the current global context.
Under the central theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” Brazil’s BRICS 2025 Presidency is built around six key priorities: global health, the reform of global governance, climate finance, artificial intelligence governance, global south cooperation, and BRICS institutional development. The Sherpas’ meeting deliberated on these agenda items, with member states offering constructive contributions and perspectives to help shape the annual agenda.
In its participation in the six thematic sessions, Ethiopia reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to multilateralism and collective security centred on the UN system. Mamo stated that a reformed global system is needed to be able to generate and execute solutions to multiple and complex global challenges. On the matter of global health, he called on BRICS countries to redouble efforts to address grave infrastructure gaps, which underpin the vulnerability of countries to global public health risks.
On economic matters, Ethiopia emphasized the importance of placing development at the centre of BRICS engagement, ensuring predictable market access, enhancing the mobilization of development finance, addressing infrastructure gaps, and attracting high-quality investments. Governor Mamo emphasized the need for expanded intra-BRICS economic cooperation. In this regard, he underscored that becoming a member of the New Development Bank is one of Ethiopia’s key priorities for 2025.
Climate change was another central focus of the discussions. Mamo outlined the concrete steps Ethiopia has taken to enhance natural carbon sinks through the Green Legacy Initiative, as well as efforts to substitute fossil fuels. He called on BRICS countries to demonstrate leadership through the full implementation of the commitments, under the UNFCCC, including the Paris Agreement.
In the field of Artificial Intelligence, the emphasis was placed on both the positive attributes and the potential risks of AI, including its impact on indigenous knowledge, regulatory and standard-setting prerogative of governments, intellectual property, misinformation, and other ethical concerns. In this light, Ethiopia underscored the need to enhance cooperation in the field of AI development, improving AI governance with due regard to the commitments made within the United Nations framework in the Digital Compact.
Finally, Ethiopia reassured its resolve to consolidate the BRICS family and conveyed its support for a more inclusive and representative BRICS. Governor Mamo called for a commitment to the implementation of core objectives, programs, and initiatives within the BRICS platform.
The meeting concluded with a high-level session presided over by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil. President Lula outlined Brazil’s priority areas for the year and called for BRICS countries to discharge their solemn responsibility of upholding multilateralism centred on the United Nations. This session also saw the participation of representatives of BRICS partner countries that are Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
On the sidelines of the BRICS meeting, Governor Mamo held bilateral discussions with the Sherpas of Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, India, and the UAE. The meetings focused on the exchange of views on the respective priorities of the countries and the ways of ensuring complementarity and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
The Sherpa also met with high-ranking government officials from Brazil’s Central Bank (Banco do Brazil), Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Integration and Regional Development. The discussions centred on the exploration of new avenues for cooperation and the exchange of best practices in the financial sector and irrigation development projects.
During Brazil’s presidency, BRICS will have multiple meetings within the framework of the working groups. The discussions and negotiated outcomes are expected to strengthen partnership and inform the declaration that will be adopted by the Leaders Summit expected to be held in July 2025.
Ethiopia, China’s Jiangsu Province Vow to Deepen Economic and Trade Cooperation
The Ethiopia-Jiangsu (China) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference was successfully held on February 25, 2025, at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa.
The conference, aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation between Ethiopia and China’s Jiangsu Province, was co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Commerce, in cooperation with the Ethiopian Investment Commission and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations. The event brought together a high-profile business delegation led by Mr. Si Yong, Director-General of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Commerce, Ethiopian government officials, and business leaders from both sides.
Jiangsu, known as one of China’s economic and industrial powerhouses, plays a leading role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With a population of 85 million, Jiangsu saw its GDP reach $1.93 trillion in 2024, excelling in industrialization, innovation, and global outreach.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Negus Kebede, the Director-General of Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Countries Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to further enhance the All-Weather Strategic Partnership between Ethiopia and China and to leverage the Belt and Road Initiative opportunities for sustainable development.
Ambassador Negus underscored Ethiopia’s readiness to fully participate in the 10 Partnership Action Plans proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 2024 Beijing FOCAC Summit, held in September 2024, which aims to elevate the Africa-China partnership to an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future. He also reiterated Ethiopia’s full support for the initiative’s implementation. He expressed appreciation for the pivotal role that Chinese companies from Jiangsu Province are playing in Ethiopia’s economic transformation. He also mentioned that bilateral trade between Jiangsu and Ethiopia exceeded $480 million in 2023, with a remarkable 38.1% increase from the previous year. Noting the progress made in cooperation with Jiangsu, Ambassador Negus highlighted the province’s track record as evidence of the viability and profitability of investing in Ethiopia. He expressed Ethiopia’s keen interest in deepening its cooperation with Jiangsu Province to drive mutually beneficial economic interdependence and long-term prosperity, inviting more Jiangsu enterprises to explore the abundant business opportunities Ethiopia offers.
Zinabu Yirga, Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, emphasized Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reform and financial liberalization to ease doing business in the country. He also underlined the Commission’s dedication to providing a conducive business environment with transparent regulatory frameworks and robust support systems. The Deputy Commissioner pointed out that Ethiopia has identified strategic sectors for investment, including manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, mining, and ICT, and called on Chinese investors to explore the country’s vast trade and investment opportunities. On the occasion, a representative from the Ethiopian Investment Commission showcased the available business opportunities in Ethiopia, priority sectors identified by the government, and the incentives and privileges offered to investors.
Zemen Junedin, CEO of Investment Promotion and Marketing at the Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation, emphasized Ethiopia’s efforts to create a favorable investment climate for foreign investors. He outlined the government’s reforms and incentive packages designed to encourage investment, particularly in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). He highlighted the significant role Chinese investors are expected to play in developing the SEZs and urged Jiangsu enterprises to choose Ethiopia as an investment destination, citing companies such as Wuxi No. 1, which has invested in the textile sector and operates in both the Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone and the Hawassa Special Economic Zone.
Chen Hai, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Ethiopia, stated that Ethiopia is a major economy in Africa with abundant natural resources and substantial development potential. He noted that the economic and trade cooperation between China and Ethiopia has expanded under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The Ambassador highlighted the complementary nature of cooperation between the two countries in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and infrastructure, and indicated the huge potential for cooperation between Jiangsu Province and Ethiopia, reaffirming the Embassy’s commitment to promoting friendly cooperation for the benefit of both countries.
Si Yong, Director-General of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Commerce, noted that approximately 77 companies from Jiangsu have already invested in Ethiopia in various sectors, including infrastructure and manufacturing. He emphasized Jiangsu’s economic prowess in manufacturing and trade and expressed interest in deepening collaboration with Ethiopia, a country with immense potential.
The Director-General also stressed the importance of further deepening the partnership between Ethiopia and Jiangsu Province, highlighting the province’s willingness to work with Ethiopia to implement the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Summit and pursue broader cooperation to achieve a win-win result.
Alemayehu Nigatu, a board member of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations representing the Ethiopian private sector, noted that the Ethiopian government has worked diligently to create an environment conducive to foreign direct investment and has made significant strides in addressing challenges associated with doing business in the country. He pointed out Ethiopia’s strategic geographic location, which makes it an ideal place for business operations and a gateway to emerging markets across Africa and the Middle East. He expressed that Ethiopia’s private sector looks forward to a brighter future in cooperation with China and stands ready to support partnerships, transforming potential into real achievements for the benefit of both nations.
The major enterprises from Jiangsu province that have invested in Ethiopia and potential investors delivered speeches regarding their companies’ profiles and intentions to do business in Ethiopia.
The conference, which highlighted various trade and investment opportunities in Ethiopia, attracted around 300 participants, including government officials from both sides, Jiangsu’s business delegation, Chinese enterprises, and representatives from the Ethiopian business community. The event provided an opportunity for the two sides to reaffirm their shared commitment to fostering economic cooperation and realizing mutual prosperity.
It is worth noting that Ethiopia hosted a successful forum titled the “Jiangsu-Africa (Ethiopia) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference” in November 2024 during the visit of the province’s Governor Xu Kunlin. The Governor had productive discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior government officials.
The relations with Jiangsu province are gaining momentum, with a high-level delegation led by Adanech Abebie, Mayor of Addis Ababa, paying a visit to the province at the beginning of this year. They agreed to share experiences on building sustainable cities and transforming technical and vocational schools.
The 129th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa Colourfully Celebrated
The 129th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa was colourfully celebrated under the theme: “Adwa is the Victory of the Black People.” On the occasion, President Taye Atseke-Selassie emphasized that the Adwa Victory symbolized freedom for Africa and all Black people, restoring human dignity and showcasing Ethiopia’s national heroism. He highlighted the political participation of women and the Ethiopian ideology behind this historic triumph.
The President stressed that Adwa is a rich source of knowledge and intellectual debate, a fountain of wisdom and enlightenment, and a place for discussion and analysis. He described Adwa as a historical continuum that determined yesterday, revealed today, and shapes tomorrow.
Ethiopianism, he said, was a manifestation of faith in freedom and humanity. The victory of Adwa was a collective effort, combining many facets and serving as an inextinguishable ray of light for all who seek freedom. President Taye emphasized that the greatest lesson from Adwa is placing the country’s welfare above personal grievances and politics. He called for renewed commitment, with equality, freedom, and progress at the center, marking Adwa’s victory as a great example of strengthened Ethiopianism.
True freedom, he asserted, shines through progress, adorned with prosperity and self-reliance. He urged the continuation of comprehensive development efforts to eliminate poverty and ensure the perpetuation of Ethiopian identity across generations.
The celebration of the 129th anniversary of Adwa Victory also acknowledged the campaign for peace that preceded the battle. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed commended Ethiopians for their firm stance for peace, which extended to patiently enduring threats and harassment from the invading Italian army. Despite the enemy’s miscalculations, Ethiopians remained prepared to defend their peace with unwavering determination. Ethiopians’ deep understanding of the horrors of war, cultivated through a history of conflict, enabled them to prioritize peace and avoid unnecessary warfare. The Adwa campaign exemplified this commitment to peace, with Ethiopians offering multiple peaceful solutions before engaging in battle. The victory of Adwa demonstrated the nation’s dedication to universal values and their ability to maintain peace even in the face of aggression.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed praised the Adwa veterans, who prioritized peace while remaining ever-ready to defend their nation. He pointed out the importance of continuing their path and choosing peace, just as their predecessors did. The commitment to peace, he asserted, should remain a guiding principle for current and future generations.
The leadership and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with affiliated institutions and Ethiopian diplomatic missions in various countries, also celebrated this historic day. The occasion was commemorated through panel discussions and theatrical performances, underscoring Adwa’s intergenerational significance and its role in shaping future diplomatic successes.
The Battle of Adwa was of great significance for Ethiopia and for Africa. It meant that the age of continental invasion by the then-European colonial powers could not be completed. Ethiopia remained independent, a sovereign and un-colonized African country, an example and a model for the rest of the continent. It was a turning point not just for Ethiopia, but for Africa and the African peoples in the Diaspora. It provided inspiration for African countries in their subsequent struggles for independence. It was no mere coincidence that African countries chose Ethiopia to be the permanent host of the African Union.
It was a major victory in which all the nations, nationalities, and peoples of Ethiopia participated. The invasion united all Ethiopians against the attempted colonizers, allowing Ethiopia to retain its independence and launch its own development. This scenario was repeated in 1935 when fascist Italy tried to reverse the defeat of Adwa. That invasion, once again, brought all Ethiopians together to fight their common enemy.
The way the generation that won Adwa protected the country from foreign invaders and gave their lives to realize their vision of a free and sovereign Ethiopia continues to offer a lesson for future generations.
Adwa also compelled Europeans to reconsider their attitudes toward Africans. It forced them to accept Ethiopia’s sovereignty and freedom, obliged them to open embassies in Addis Ababa, and become involved in bilateral relations. It became a catalyst for struggles across the continent by other peoples against their white colonizers. Ethiopia became emblematic of African valor and resistance, a bastion of prestige and hope for thousands of Africans who were beginning to search for an answer to the myth of African inferiority. African-Americans, in particular, saw the victory as a justification of their own self-worth. It was one of the primary reasons for the “modern global rise of a Pan-African vision of freedom.”
Adwa symbolized a victory for the African people, both in Africa and in the Diaspora. It underlined the growing sense of unity among Africans and people of African descent. It resonated in the hearts of black people as a symbol, demonstrating defiance to colonialism, exploitation, and foreign domination. The first major victory of non-white peoples over a European army, it negated the then widespread belief that Africans were no match for European colonizers.
Adwa has been a constant reminder of the possibility of defeating the oppressor and a real source of inspiration for oppressed colonial peoples and the Diaspora, struggling to free themselves from slavery and subjugation. It was a total rejection of the myth of the ‘civilizing mission’ of colonizers. Adwa, indeed, demonstrated that the ‘savage barbarians’ were the true defenders of freedom, equality, and human dignity.
Adwa was and remains a redeeming moment for black people. It stands alongside the gallant Zulu resistance by Shaka in the 19th century and the Mau Mau in Kenya fifty years ago as one of the major symbols of resistance. It was a victory that inspired Marcus Garvey, W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King, and other great freedom fighters who led the Back to Africa and Civil Rights Movements in America. Today, the spirit of Adwa can still provide a springboard for the African Union’s “Pan-Africanism for the African Renaissance,” for the emergence of a new Africa—an Africa free to decide its own destiny.
Adwa certainly belongs to Africa, but it also provides the basis for the youth of Ethiopia to develop their own winning spirit, a spirit drawn from the example of the courage and determination shown by their grandfathers.
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