Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Kigali, 03 March 2021: On March 2, 2021, The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Rwanda with fellow Ethiopians all over the world celebrated the 125th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa which marks the defeat of the invading Italian force. Italians, with their colonial ambition, presented a differed version of Article 17 of the Treaty of Wuchale, which was signed between Ethiopia and Italy in May 1889 to promote friendship and trade between the two countries. The Italian version effectively made Ethiopia Italy’s protectorate, in contrast to the Amharic version. Ethiopia renounced the Treaty of Wuchale and Emperor Minilik II called on all Ethiopians to defend their country, family and religion. Ethiopians from all walks of life responded with enthusiasm and unity to the call and fought the well-armed Italian force in the town of Adwa in Northern Tigray, and won the most historic and decisive victory. The outcome of this battle makes Ethiopia the only African country never to be colonized. It also turned Ethiopia into a symbol of freedom for black people globally. Every year, Ethiopians at home and abroad commemorate the day to honor their forefathers who sacrificed their lives and handed down to them a free country that they live in with dignity today. Similarly, this year, the day will be commemorated under the theme “Adwa-an Emblem of Multinational Unity” signifying the strength and role of unity in leading up to the victory of Adwa. The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Rwanda with Ethiopians residing in Rwanda will also celebrate in the coming weeks the day with various events including activities that could enforce the unity and cooperation of the people of Ethiopia to stand the current challenges and move forward towards completing its journey to become a stable and an economic viable Ethiopia. Focusing on the future generation, the celebration includes also the participation of the youth in competition of poems, paintings, video clips etc. in line with the theme “Adwa-an Emblem of Multinational Unity”.
