It was in the northern town of Adwa 123 years ago that poorly-armed Ethiopians - clad in such attire - routed an Italian force that sought to expand Rome's fledgling 19th century colonial empire. The event was also used by some Ethiopians to call for unity at a time of persistent ethnic strife that has left over 2 million people displaced due to violence in the last two years. "Adwa for me is a sign of freedom and a sign of unity of the country. Today's generation should learn the importance of unity and abstain from clashing on the basis of ethnicity," said Tiki Gebreab, a 36-year old Addis Ababa resident who attended the celebrations. "The young generation of today should repeat the victory of Adwa by defeating current challenges and barriers," Abiy said in remarks published by state-owned media.

Source: Ethiopian News March 02, 2019 17:48 UTC