Historical Legacy of Adwa Victory Guides Ethiopia’s Quest for Development and Global Connectivity – President Taye

Addis Ababa, March 2, 2026 (FMC) — President Taye Atske Selassie emphasized that the legacy of the Victory of Adwa constitutes a blueprint for unity, peace, sovereignty and the steadfast pursuit of Ethiopia’s long-term strategic objectives.

Addressing thousands of participants at the Adwa Victory Memorial during the 130th anniversary commemoration themed “Glorious Past, Radiant Horizon,” the President urged citizens to channel the enduring spirit of Adwa into tangible economic strength and geopolitical influence.

He observed that the legacy of Adwa should function as a unifying force, reinforcing the national fabric while counteracting divisive political currents often driven by narrow group interests. “The lesson of Adwa strengthens Ethiopian identity and effectively restrains narrow group thinking,” he stated. “Adwa rejects petty politics, denounces division, and disavows corruption, deceit and intrigue.”

Describing Adwa as a moral academy, the President said it instills ethical discipline, particularly among those who glorify conflict and propagate rhetoric of war without advancing the cause of peace. “When we reflect on Adwa, what resonates in our conscience is heroism,” he noted. “Heroism means consolidating peace, serving the people and developing the nation.”

He further defined heroism in contemporary terms as the advancement of patriotism, tolerance, knowledge, wisdom and shared growth. According to the President, Ethiopian identity—measured against the standard of Adwa—represents a living legacy forged through sacrifice and sustained by hard work, knowledge, patience and foresight.

In an era of rapid global transformation, he asserted that Ethiopia must uphold what he termed the manifesto of Adwa by responding to aspirations of freedom and equality among Ethiopians and peoples of African descent worldwide through concrete development and national progress. “The meaning of Adwa today,” he stated, “is to adorn freedom with prosperity and to transmit honorable achievements that benefit future generations.”

The President stressed that commemoration of Adwa extends beyond remembrance of the sacrifices made to defend sovereignty. It also requires embracing the broader vision that followed the historic victory. Citing historical records, he noted that a key diplomatic priority after Adwa was securing ownership and reliable access to a sea outlet as a gateway to global engagement. “What we seek today is not a new or foreign agenda,” he remarked. “It is a continuation of that historical path and trajectory.”

He emphasized that sustainable and dependable sea access remains inseparable from the sovereign trust inherited from the martyrs of Adwa, describing it as an enduring national reality that cannot be erased even when neglected. Reflecting on Ethiopia’s historical trajectory, the President stated that periods of national strength have coincided with steadfast commitment to strategic interests, whereas short-sighted political calculations at times resulted in the relinquishment of vital national assets.

“At moments when we failed to envision tomorrow, we surrendered strategic interests under political illusions,” he said. Adwa, he added, teaches that decisions on fundamental national matters must align with historical justice and long-term objectives.

The military victory achieved at Adwa, the President continued, must now be complemented by economic and geopolitical achievements. “The economic aspirations of our country will be fulfilled and the bright future of our 120 million citizens secured only when Ethiopia is not constrained by geographic limitations,” he stated.

Reaffirming Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access, the President underscored that the objective is grounded in national interest and framed by principles of peaceful and cooperative engagement. “Our path, our aspiration and the backdrop of our journey are peace and mutual growth,” he affirmed. “Our sea access question must be understood as a matter of history and justice—an existential issue for this generation rooted in cooperation rather than confrontation.”

He concluded that Adwa remains both a symbol of African dignity and a living call to transform hard-won freedom into shared prosperity and enduring sovereignty. The commemoration, he noted, serves as a reminder that historical achievements derive their ultimate value from their capacity to inspire progress and unity in the present and future.