Thabo Mbeki, the former President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the African Union high level implementation panel for Sudan, in commemoration of the 121st Anniversary of the Battle of Adwa at Addis Ababa University, Ras Mekonnen Hall on March 4, 2017, spoke of “Ethiopianism” as a symbol of resistance to injustice and colonialism.
“Today’s commemoration is confirmation of the truth our continent has known for over a century that the great victory of Ethiopia in 1896 at the Battle of Adwa was indeed both an Ethiopian and an African victory, corroborating the high regard in which Africans across the continent and the African Diaspora in general hold Ethiopia as well as the inspiration they draw from the existence of a sovereign African State which has existed for millennia,” Mbeki said.
In his opening remarks, Director of Office of the External Relations, Partnerships and Communication of the AAU, Zenebe Beyene (Ph.D.) noted that this year’s celebration was unique as it was being held in the presence of a living legend of South Africa’s fight for freedom against apartheid, Thabo Mbeki.
Stating the importance of the victory of Adwa to all Africans, Mbeki said that the victory at Adwa helped all Africans undermine the arrogant feeling of superiority of the colonial powers and nations, strengthening the resolve and confidence of the African oppressed.
“Through the victory at Adwa Ethiopia taught all Africans the critical importance of national unity in the struggle against the colonial enemy,” Thabo Mbeki added.
Themed the Battle of Adwa: a symbol of African resistance to injustice and colonialism, the event was organized by Addis Ababa University and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
In attendants were government officials including Negeri Lecho (Ph.D.), Minister of Government Communication Affairs and Hirut W/Mariam, Minister of Culture and Tourism.
