PM Abiy Ahmed Says Adwa Marked the Day “the Sun Broke Through a Dark Sky for All of Africa and Black People”

Addis Ababa, March 2, 2026 (FMC) — As Ethiopia commemorates the 130th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa today, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the historic triumph marked the day “the sun broke through a sky that had been dark for all of Africa and Black people.”

In a message shared on his social media pages on the occasion, the Prime Minister described Adwa as the day Ethiopia defeated invading forces that had encroached upon its borders and violated its sovereignty and the freedom of its people on the mountains of Adwa.

He stated that the victory was the day Ethiopia preserved a civilization that had remained unviolated for three thousand years.

“Our forefathers and foremothers deserve our utmost respect,” the Prime Minister said, noting that through the sacrifice of their blood they handed down to the present generation an Ethiopia “in which we live with pride, alongside a marvellous civilization, history, and great honour.”

Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that Ethiopians today bear the responsibility of sustaining the country their ancestors died to build by living in unity and love.

Learning from the generation of Adwa, he said, Ethiopians must say “No” to poverty, division and backward thinking, and work to transition the country toward prosperity.

“The time when Ethiopia becomes even greater than it has ever been is not far off,” the Prime Minister stated.

Ethiopia is marking the 130th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa with nationwide commemorations honoring the historic triumph and its enduring significance for the nation and beyond.