The staff of the Ministry of Planning and Development and other institutions under the Ministry, including PSI, celebrated Adwa Victory Day on March 1, 2023, at the premises of the Oromo Cultural Center.
On March 1, Ethiopians around the world celebrated the 127th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa, a historic military triumph against Italian colonialism in 1896. The victory of Adwa is considered a symbol of resistance by all colonized peoples against European colonialism and imperialism and has inspired anti-colonial movements across the continent and around the globe.
The staff of the Ministry and its accountable institutions marked the day with a panel discussion and various events and activities. The celebration was themed "The Victory of Adwa: Unity, Heroism, and Perseverance."
The celebrations began with a presentation and reflections about the significance of the victory. The ceremony was attended by government officials, military officers, and representatives of various civil society organizations.
H.E. Dr. Fistum Assefa, Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Development, in her speech hailed the victory of Adwa as a "landmark event in the history of Ethiopia, Africa, and the world" and stressed the importance of preserving and promoting the legacy of the battle. She also highlighted the role of the Ethiopian people in defeating the Italian invaders and praised the bravery and leadership of the military commanders of the time.
H.E. Professor Beyene Petros, Director General of PSI, stressed the significance of the Adwa victory in shaping the identity and pride of the Ethiopian people. Professor Beyene Petros emphasized the need for unity and solidarity among Ethiopians in the face of contemporary challenges.
The participants of the day stated that the victory is considered a defining moment in Ethiopian and African history, as it was the first time that an African nation successfully defeated European colonization and aggression.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Ethiopian army, composed of various ethnic and regional groups, managed to crush the Italian invasion and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. The victory was attributed to the superior military tactics and strategy of the Ethiopian commanders and the bravery and determination of the Ethiopian soldiers.
The victory of Adwa had significant political, social, and cultural implications for Ethiopia and Africa. It not only secured Ethiopia's independence and sovereignty but also challenged the prevailing narrative of European superiority and African inferiority and inspired other African nations to resist colonialism and imperialism.
The legacy of the Battle of Adwa continues to inspire all black people around the world who still suffer from cruel forms of oppression. The victory of Adwa is humanity's greatest victory on black soil over a formidable white European colonial power.
Overall, Adwa is the first time in modern history that an African nation has successfully defeated a European colonial attempt. We thank our forefathers and mothers for their efforts; we will always love and respect them!