Happy 129th Adwa Victory Day!!...

February 22, 2017

Adwa was a campaign for peace.

Before the Adwa campaign, Ethiopians repeatedly expressed their firm stance for peace. Their stance for peace went so far as to patiently endure the enemy’s threats and harassment.

As you may recall, the invading Italian army recruited gangs. They armed gangs. They tried to install gang agents in the government. They spread terror. They accused the Ethiopian government. They tried to seize certain positions.

They tried to undermine Ethiopia on the international stage.
Ethiopia watched all this with patience and preparation.

Ethiopians have lived in war since ancient times. As a result, they know the terrible side of war. Because they know it, they flee from it by any means possible. They do whatever is necessary for a peaceful alternative. Sometimes, they do more than necessary for the sake of peace. But when faced with an enemy who pushes all this, they march for peace; they win for peace.

The Adwa campaign is the same. The invading Italian army was asked not to enter the war. Peace options were presented to it. "The head full of pride and arrogance, the neck that the sword and sword hit" became, as they say.

He considered Ethiopia's patience as fear, Ethiopia's path to peace as defeat.
Our enemies always make miscalculations. Our humility, patience and love of peace deceive them.

The invading Italian army was also mistaken.
But the Ethiopians were patient and prepared. They were ready to protect their peace in all respects. They know that freedom, sovereignty and honor are achieved by protecting the peace of the country. Therefore, they were prepared to protect their peace with their own hands.

The Battle of Adwa was a war between forces fighting for peace and war. This is one of the secrets of our victory. This is what prevented us from turning to revenge and hatred after the war. We did not fight for the sake of war, but for peace.
The victory of Adwa has shown us our value for universal values. By joining the ranks of the captives, by returning to the battlefield for peaceful dialogue, and by working for lasting peace.
We thank our mothers and fathers not only for their victory but also for the price they paid for human values. They fought for peace. They fought against a force that refused peace and a peaceful path.
We are the children of the Adwa veterans. We prioritize peace.
Today, we know that our enemies have not made a mistake. We have learned from the Adwa veterans to welcome those who come peacefully. We have seen from the Adwa veterans to punish those who do not come peacefully. We also choose the path of peace like our predecessors. But like our ancestors, we are always ready for both. We are the children of the Adwa veterans.

Have a happy holiday.

May Ethiopia be blessed and honored by the efforts of its children and live forever!!

May the Creator bless Ethiopia and its people!

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD)