Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon. Soipan Tuya represented the Republic of Kenya at the 130th Anniversary commemoration of the historic 1896 Battle of Adwa, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Victory of Adwa remains one of Africa’s most defining milestones—a powerful symbol of sovereignty, resilience, and collective security.
The Battle of Adwa, fought on 1 March 1896 under the leadership of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul during the First Italo-Ethiopian War, affirmed Ethiopia’s independence at a time of intense colonial expansion and stood as a powerful assertion of African resistance and self-determination, reflecting the enduring strategic and historical impact of Adwa, not only for Ethiopia but for the African continent as a whole.
Observed under the theme “Glorious Past, Radiant Horizon,” this year’s anniversary paid tribute to the courage and unity that shaped the 1896 triumph, while reaffirming a forward-looking commitment to Africa’s shared prosperity, peace, and stability. The victory stands as an enduring testament to African solidarity and the continent’s capacity to safeguard its independence and dignity through unity of purpose.
In her engagements, Hon. Tuya underscored that the spirit of Adwa continues to inspire regional peace support cooperation and collective security arrangements aimed at protecting the sovereignty of African states and advancing stability across the continent. She noted that defence institutions bear a solemn responsibility to translate this historic legacy into strengthened partnerships, enhanced operational capabilities, and steadfast support for Africa’s evolving security architecture.
On the margins of the commemorative events, the CS held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopia’s Minister of Defence, Engineer Aisha Mohamed Musa, to advance implementation of the existing Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between the two countries. Discussions focused on operationalising the DCA through a phased and practical framework, as well as fast-tracking outcomes of the inaugural Joint Defence Committee.
The two sides deliberated on strengthening coordination along the Moyale–Marsabit–Turkana corridor to address cross-border threats affecting the national security of both nations. They also reviewed collaboration under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable stabilisation efforts in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa region.
Additionally, the meeting explored measures to enhance protection of strategic infrastructure, including the LAPSSET Corridor, against emerging and asymmetric threats. Both leaders emphasised that Kenya and Ethiopia’s security interests are deeply interlinked and reaffirmed their commitment to building a structured, predictable, and results-oriented defence partnership.
CS Tuya conveyed Kenya’s unwavering solidarity with the people and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on this auspicious anniversary and reiterated the Government’s dedication to promoting lasting stability in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.
Present at the bilateral meeting were H.E. Amb. Galma Boru, Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union; Major General Frederick Leuria, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training; and senior defence officials from both countries.
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