ADWA – President Ambassador Sahlework Zewde said the victory of Adwa is living proof that Ethiopians put their national interests first under any circumstances and it also showcases how capable Ethiopians are in overcoming any adversities in this world.
Speaking at the 124th Adwa victory celebration in Tigrai state Adwa town yesterday, the president said Ethiopians need to focus on safeguarding national interests than spending time and energy in advancing some individuals’ political interests.
As to her, diversity of thought is humanistic and natural difference which needs to be entertained appropriately and within its own limits. However, she said, the difference will be valueless when it comes to upholding national sovereignty and this was clearly reflected at the battle of Adwa.
“All of us are boarded on a ship named Ethiopia where the security of the passengers is the safety of the ship. Anything that threatens the wellbeing of the ship and its passengers should be the red line to all of us.”
The people should understand the factors that affect unity, coexistence and peace of the nation while priding in the victory of Adwa that obtained from nationwide cooperation, she noted.
“We should apply the victory as our principle and direction to achieve our daily routines beyond celebrating it once in a year. We need to also renovate the spirit of the victory to be directed by it today than any other times as it is the symbol of our unity.”
The people can curb its problems if it understands each other and stand firm for rule of law. Each citizen ought to examine the merits and demerits of every activity to ensure peaceful, poverty free and united Ethiopia, she urged.
It needs deep thought to enable the future generation to be free from the current problems of the country, according to the president.
As to her, the victory of Adwa has made Ethiopians symbol of fortitude, greatness and invincibleness once and forever.
It also dictates that Ethiopians, regardless of diversity, will stand firmly together to any foreign intervention that threatens the national interest of the country, she stated.
“The victory helped Ethiopians to have especial image and it has become a national pride.”
The country was an example to Africans and others who were under colonialism to fight for their rights. It is also became member and founder of League of Nations, UN and OAU, the current AU, according to Sahlework.
Today, the country is promoting its interests examining the international conventions, agreements and regulations, she expressed.
Since the mid of the 16thC, colonialism had been expanding across the world to exploit human and natural resource at the expense of the right of the citizens of colonies for more than 200 years, she mentioned.
The victory of Adwa is turning points in the history of mankind changing the narration that convey black have not its own story. The victory encouraged anti colonialism and antiracism movements worldwide. It also signals an increasing call from international human right advocators to correct the biased outlook between mankind, it was learnt.
The Ethiopian Herald March 3/2020
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
