Ethiopia Marks 130th Anniversary of Colonial Defeat at Battle of Adwa

Ethiopia is commemorating the 130th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, the historic military triumph in which Ethiopian forces defeated an invading Italian army, preserving the country’s independence during the Scramble for Africa.

Speaking during celebrations in the capital, Addis Ababa, President Taye Atske Selassie linked the legacy of the 1896 victory to Ethiopia’s long-standing pursuit of reliable and sustainable access to the sea. He said securing a maritime outlet – particularly to the Red Sea – remains a sovereign, historical, and economic priority for the country.

According to the president, historical records show that after the victory at Adwa, one of Ethiopia’s key diplomatic priorities was to secure maritime access connecting the country to the global economy.

He said the aspirations of Ethiopia’s more than 120 million citizens would only be fully realized when the country is no longer constrained by its lack of direct sea access.

“The fate of 130 million people will be bright only when Ethiopia’s lack of direct access to the sea is resolved,” he said.

Selassie added that Ethiopia’s pursuit of port access is guided by peaceful engagement and the principle of mutual benefit.

The remarks come amid a broader government push, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, to secure permanent access to the Red Sea, including possible arrangements involving ports in Eritrea such as Assab, or through agreements with Somaliland.

Ethiopia became landlocked after Eritrea gained independence in 1993, and the country now depends heavily on Djibouti for most of its maritime trade.

Authorities in Eritrea have previously rejected any suggestion of negotiations over their Red Sea coastline, describing Ethiopia’s recent rhetoric on sea access as provocative and calling for respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Regional analysts say the issue remains sensitive in the Horn of Africa, where relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara have remained fragile despite a 2018 peace agreement that formally ended two decades of hostility.

The Battle of Adwa of March 1, 1896 stands as one of the most consequential African victories over colonial forces, symbolising Ethiopia’s resistance and the defence of its independence.