Ethiopia Celebrates 105th Adwa Victory
Celebrations
were held throughout Ethiopia today to mark the 105th anniversary of
the Battle of Adwa. Today also marks the second anniversary of Operation Sunset,
the victory at Badme.
Thousands
of Addis Ababans gathered in Emperor Menelik II Square joined by Dr Petros
Olango, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, and
innumerable patriots.
The
President of the Ethiopian Patriots’ Association, Mr Assefa Bayu, said that
Adwa could not be ignored due to its paramount importance in black African
history where it is a precursor of the African struggle against colonialism.
“Adwa has long served as a symbol of African militancy and heroism. I am happy
to see the present generation upholding the gallantry and strong feeling of
nationalism that has long characterised Ethiopian peoples. This was demonstrated
in the successful reversal of the Eritrean war of aggression”. Mr Assefa added
that this national feeling must persist and that Ethiopians should always stand
firm and ready against any kind of aggression in the future.
Women
patriots Gorfee Seifu (70) and Genet Hailegnew (75) expressed their deep
satisfaction at this year’s Adwa celebration taking place at a time when
Ethiopia’s sovereignty had been fully restored.
Dr
Petros Olango later placed a wreath at the foot of the Emperor Menelik II
statue.