Ethiopian Embassies in various countries including Japan, India, Kenya and Israel celebrate 126th Anniversary of Adwa Victory

The Ethiopian Embassy in Japan celebrated the 126th Anniversary of the Adwa Victory Day. Yohannes Fenta, Acting Head of the Mission and Mito Kakizawa, Member of the House of Representatives of the People’s Republic of Japan and Chairman of the Ethio-Japan Friendship Association delivered speeches appreciating the value of the Adwa Victory that transcends the borders of Ethiopia in inspiring fellow Africans to accelerate their struggles for freedom.

Likewise, the Ethiopian Embassy in Israel celebrated the victory day in the presence of African Ambassadors, a member of the Knesset of Israel, Gadi Yevarkan, Israeli Journalist and Scholars, members of the Ethio-Israel Jews Community and friends of Ethiopia.

Addressing the participants Ethiopian Ambassador to Israel, Reta Alemu noted that Ethiopian forefathers and foremothers have sacrificed their lives to defend their homeland from external invaders, adding that the new generation has a responsibility to replicate such a victorious spirit in current development endeavors.

The 126th anniversary of the victory of the Battle of Adwa was also celebrated colorfully at the Makini Cambridge School in Nairobi, Kenya in the presence of the school administration, staff and students that hail from 29 countries.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Meles Alem, appreciated the Adwa Victory as an African Victory and a source of inspiration for struggle for independence and freedom throughout the Pan-African world.

Brief presentation on the history and culture of Ethiopia, flag raising ceremony as well as performance of Ethiopian traditional songs were part of the colorful event. Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and coffee cupping was also showcased to the participants.

In the spirit of cooperation in cultural and educational spheres, the Makini School administration has agreed to name its classrooms after Adwa.

Furthermore, the 126th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa was colorfully celebrated at the Embassy of Ethiopia in New Delhi.

The event was graced with the presence of former First Lady of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Roman Tesfaye, distinguished ambassadors and high commissioners, members of the diplomatic corps, Ethiopian students in different Indian universities as well as members of the Ethiopian community, to celebrate the historical event that has shaped Ethiopian history heralding hope of freedom for the African peoples in Africa and beyond.

For Ethiopians the Adwa victory is an expression of freedom, honor and what defines Ethiopians as a people, Amb Tizita Mulugeta said on her remarks.

When we decide to celebrate this special event in our embassy, we wanted to underline the fact that the victory has to be celebrated in an atmosphere of fostering freedom and unity, she added.

Former First Lady, Roman Tesfaye, reflecting on the victory of Adwa, stressed the role and significant contributions of women in the battle and further talked about women’s struggles and sufferings in a society especially in the wake of wars.

The guest of honour Dr. Daniel Peter Othol, Ambassador of South Sudan and Dean of African Head of Missions in India explained how Ethiopia became an inspiration and model for many of the anti-colonial struggles in Africa and its important role in the African Union.

The event was highlighted by a panel discussion under the theme, “Adwa, Ethiopia’s Unity, Africa’s symbol of Independence”, to reflect on the broader importance of the victory of Adwa with in the African continent and beyond.

The panelist, Mahlet Tesfaye, Diplomat at the Embassy of Ethiopia discussed on a brief historical overview of the Battle of Adwa, touching upon crucial historical events, the impact of Adwa Victory on the anti-colonial and independence movements of black peoples in Africa and its significance in inspiring resistance movements in the Americas.