Ethiopia unveils Nelson Mandela memorial museum celebrating legacy of freedom and African solidarity

Addis Ababa, February 24, 2026 (FMC) — The Nelson Mandela Memorial Museum was inaugurated today in Addis Ababa in the presence of senior government officials, diplomats, and invited guests, commemorating the life and enduring legacy of South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela.

The museum highlights Mandela’s historic ties with Ethiopia, showcasing the period during which he received military and political training in the country as part of broader efforts to dismantle apartheid-era systems in South Africa. Mandela traveled to Ethiopia seeking support for the liberation struggle led by the African National Congress, underscoring the transnational dimensions of the anti-colonial and anti-apartheid movements.

Widely celebrated for his leadership in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and later as the country’s first democratically elected president, Mandela’s time in Ethiopia included political orientation and military training. Officials noted that this experience significantly strengthened anti-apartheid efforts in his homeland and deepened continental solidarity against colonialism and racial oppression.

The newly unveiled museum reflects the historic solidarity between the Ethiopian and South African peoples in their shared quest for freedom, justice, and human dignity. At the inauguration, officials emphasized that the facility will serve not only as a historical archive but also as a testament to Ethiopia’s contribution to African liberation movements and the advancement of Pan-African unity.

They further stated that the museum will function as a center for education and inspiration for future generations committed to the ideals of equality and self-determination. By preserving historical records and narratives, the institution aims to strengthen public understanding of the struggles that shaped Africa’s modern political landscape and the values that continue to guide continental cooperation.

Ethiopia’s longstanding role in supporting African liberation movements was also underscored during the event. As one of the few African nations that resisted colonial rule and maintained its sovereignty, Ethiopia provided moral, political, and in certain instances material support to various liberation fronts across the continent. Officials highlighted this legacy as an enduring contribution to the broader movement for African independence and self-governance.

The inauguration of the museum aligns with ongoing efforts to preserve historical memory and promote dialogue on principles of justice and human dignity — values that continue to shape Africa’s development and international engagement in the contemporary era.