A delegation of senior officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) participated in Ethiopia on Monday in the 130th anniversary celebrations of the historic Adwa Victory at the Adwa Victory Memorial.
The victory at Adwa, achieved on 1 March 1896, saw Ethiopian forces under Emperor Menelik II defeat Italian colonial troops. The battle remains a defining symbol of African resistance and resilience against colonization.
The celebrations featured military parades, traditional dances, cultural performances, and exhibits highlighting the courage and heritage of Africans in their fight for sovereignty.
Leading the RDF delegation was Force Spokesperson Brigadier General R. Rwivanga, also representing Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence. The team included Rwanda’s Defence Attaché to Ethiopia and Djibouti, Colonel David Sangani; Lieutenant Colonel Gaspard Harerimana, Director of ICT at the Ministry of Defence; and Major Emmanuel Murenzi, Head of the Military History Archives Department.
On Saturday, the delegation toured the Ethiopian National Defence Museum and the Adwa Victory Memorial, gaining insight into the historic battle and its enduring significance for Africa. They also visited Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Centre and Science Museum to observe the country’s technological and research advancements.
On Sunday, the team attended the second African Defence Ministers’ Conference, themed “Better Past, Promising Future,” hosted by Ethiopia’s Minister of Defence. The conference provided a platform for African defence leaders to discuss security challenges, share solutions, and strengthen regional military collaboration.
The commemoration of Adwa underscores both Africa’s proud history of resistance and the importance of continued diplomatic and security cooperation across the continent.
