Addis Ababa, March 1, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended his best wishes to Ethiopians on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, calling on citizens to draw renewed strength from the historic triumph.
Ethiopians are set to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa over Italian colonial forces tomorrow, March 2, 2026, under the theme “Glorious Past: Radiant Future.” The occasion will be observed nationwide, as well as at Ethiopia’s diplomatic missions abroad and within diaspora communities.
In a message conveyed ahead of the celebrations, the Prime Minister congratulated Ethiopians on the milestone anniversary and described the Victory of Adwa as a defining testament to the unwavering determination and collective strength of the Ethiopian people in safeguarding their national interest, freedom, and sovereignty.
He underscored that while political systems and leadership may evolve and citizens may differ on certain internal matters, the Ethiopian people’s commitment to their country remains steadfast. He noted that the patriots who marched to Adwa may have held differing views on domestic issues, yet they were united by a shared ultimate objective — the defense of a sovereign nation characterized by cultural and religious diversity.
The Prime Minister also recalled that during the historic confrontation, there were individuals who sided with the invading forces, prioritizing short-term personal gain over the country’s long-term interests. However, he emphasized that Ethiopia’s forebears confronted not only the invading Italian army but also acts of betrayal and collaboration.
According to the Prime Minister, true patriotism entails overcoming such betrayals, placing national interest above personal gain, and upholding the honor and sovereignty of the nation above individual considerations.
He stated that Adwa Victory Day serves as a moment of remembrance and reflection, highlighting both the resilience and principled stance of Ethiopians. Just as the historic victory demonstrated Ethiopia’s strength, he said, the present generation must continue to exhibit comprehensive national capacity.
In this regard, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of strengthening the country across key sectors, including agriculture, industry, tourism, mining, and digital development. Emulating the spirit of Adwa across all spheres, he noted, requires building a solid foundation of national strength and unity.
Concluding his message, Prime Minister Abiy expressed hope that the anniversary would further reinforce Ethiopia’s strength and solidify the steadfast position of its people in advancing the nation’s future.