Victory of Adwa inspires global anti-colonial movements: Former AU Chairperson Dlamini-Zuma

Addis Ababa, February 28, 2025 (FMC) – Former African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma stated the historical significance of the Victory of Adwa, inspiring Black People across the globe to rise up for anti-colonial movements.

The 129th Adwa Victory Day will be celebrated colorfully across the country under the theme “Adwa, Victory of the Black People.”

The day marks the iconic 1896 victory, when Ethiopian forces triumphed over Italian colonial forces, securing their sovereignty and inspiring global anti-colonial movements.

Speaking to Pulse of Africa, Former African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma praised Ethiopia for maintaining its uncolonized status, making it a symbol of African resilience and independence.

“Let me say first before I get to Adwa, Ethiopia itself is a very bright star in our continent; in that it was never colonized. That’s why our capital is here, because this is the part of our continent that was never colonized,” she stated.

“The battle of Adwa played a big role in this regard,” she said, describing the battle as a great milestone in preserving Ethiopian independence and inspiring anti-colonial movements across the continent and beyond.

She also drew attention to women who were an integral part of the battle, reinforcing the point that women have always been vital to the fight for freedom.

“As I understand, there were even women there, so it shows that women must also be in every area of human endeavor,” she added. The former AU chairperson also linked Ethiopia’s history to its cultural resilience.

“Maybe that’s why you produce what you eat. You produce teff, and you eat teff. That’s your main meal. The rest is, you produce coffee, and you have introduced coffee to the world, ”Dlamini Zuma pointed out.

“I think we have to be proud of this part of our continent; it’s ours, but this part we have to be very proud of,” she said.

Founder and Executive Director of Center of Global Africa, Professor Ezrah Aharone on his part said the Adwa victory is crucial, symbolizing Ethiopia’s uncolonized heritage and deeply resonating within the African diaspora.

“The Adwa victory is critically important. To Ethiopia’s proud heritage, it has never been colonized,” he stated.

Interestingly, John C. Robinson was an African diaspora who had come to Ethiopia and played a key role in working with the Ethiopian Air Force and in the creation of Ethiopian Airlines.

Aharone expressed excitement about continuing to strengthen these industrial connections, underscoring the growing relationship between Ethiopia and the global African community.