Baidoa, 04 March 2025 – Ethiopia troops serving with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on Monday celebrated the 129th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa in Baidoa, South West State.
Ethiopia celebrates Adwa Victory Day annually on 2nd March to commemorate the historic defeat of the Italian army in March 1896, with this year’s celebration themed, “Adwa: The victory of Black People”.
South West State President, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ delivered a message of goodwill to the AUSSOM Ethiopian troops at the event.
“The day of Adwa is significant because of the struggle of Emperor Menelik II and his kingdom. The victory of Adwa is an inspiration to Africans, and Ethiopia,” said President Laftagareen.
Highlighting the strong historical and cultural ties between Ethiopia and Somalia, President Laftagareen praised Ethiopian troops for their significant contribution to Somalia’s peace and security.
AUSSOM’s Military Chief of Staff, Major General Kindu Gezu, highlighted that the Battle of Adwa was a key inspiration for African liberation movements, and marked the continent’s first victory over European imperialism.
“The victory at Adwa ignited the flame of African liberation from 1896 to the 1960s. Even though the journey was long and difficult, the spirit of Adwa continues to live on in the minds of our African brothers,” said Maj. Gen. Kindu in his address.
The Chargé d’Affaires at the Ethiopian Embassy in Somalia, Ketema Haile, said the Ethiopian victory over the Italians birthed Pan-Africanism.
“The victory of Adwa immediately ignited global resistance against colonialism and black Africa and anti-colonialism across the globe,” noted Ambassador Ketema.
“The history of Adwa still resonates today, more than a century after the battle. It instils in the current generation the spirit of our forefathers and fathers,” said AUSSOM Ethiopian contingent commander, Brigadier General Besfat Fente Tegegn, who hosted the event at their headquarters in Baidoa.
Dignitaries at the event included Ethiopia’s military attaché to Somalia, Brigadier General Asres Ayalew, Cabinet Ministers from the South West State administration, UN representatives, senior officials from the Somali Security Forces and AUSSOM military and police contingents.
In the Battle of Adwa, Emperor Menelik II led Ethiopians to defeat the Italians during the scramble for Africa, following the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885.
