Descendants of Africa’s iconic leaders visited the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa today, calling for renewed commitment to Pan-African unity.

United Ethiopian forces forged a historic victory 128 years ago at the Battle of Adwa, decisively defeating Italian colonial ambitions and etching Ethiopia’s name in the annals of resistance. The Adwa Victory Memorial stands as a powerful testament to this triumph, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism and igniting the global struggle for freedom and dignity among Black communities worldwide.

Descendants of Africa’s iconic leaders gathered at this historic Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa today, invoking the legacy of their forebears to call for a renewed commitment to Pan-African unity.

Standing where Ethiopia famously triumphed over colonial forces, they emphasized that the continent’s future depends on solidarity, economic independence, and the continuation of the liberation spirit that once inspired Africa’s fight against oppression.

Kaunda Kaweche, son of Zambia’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda, and other descendants of historic Pan-African figures are in Ethiopia to attend the African Media Awards, held yesterday in Addis Ababa.  

Their visit to Adwa aimed to honor the legacy of Africa’s freedom fighters and the spirit of independence they championed.

In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Kaweche emphasized that the next generation must carry forward the mission of their parents.

“Our fathers, as you see behind me, built the idea of uniting the continent. Now they have passed on, and if we, their children, do not continue that dream, it will die with them. We must carry the torch forward,” he said.

He described Adwa as a powerful reminder of Africa’s resilience, where Ethiopia’s victory over Italian forces became a beacon for liberation movements across the continent.

“This memorial reminds us that any adversary can be confronted. When the human spirit decides to achieve something, it will, just as Ethiopia defeated the Italians against all odds and inspired the rest of Africa,” he noted.

Kaweche said Africa’s next battle is economic independence. “Our forefathers freed the continent from colonial rule. Now it is for us to pursue economic independence. We should not go around with a begging bowl when we have the resources and capacity to build for ourselves,” he stated.

He also praised Ethiopia’s role as the political heart of Africa.

“Ethiopia was chosen, not by accident, to host the African Union. Its history inspires us. The responsibility placed on Ethiopia to lead African unity is not easy. But when we falter, Ethiopia must stand strong and encourage us to keep going,” he said.

Kwame Thomas Melega, grandson of Ghana’s first President Kwame Nkrumah, shared similar reflections on the meaning of Adwa, calling it a symbol of Africa’s determination to remain free.

“This is a historic moment showing African solidarity against colonialism and imperialism. It is a symbol we must continue to celebrate,” he said.

Melega highlighted unity as the key strength that colonial powers underestimated. European imperialists believed Africa would remain divided when faced with danger. But Ethiopia united many communities to defeat colonial aggression.

That unity and determination must guide us in today’s battles. They are economic battles now, but challenges remain and we must show the same spirit as our ancestors, he said.

He added that Pan-Africanism must serve a purpose. Unity is not just for its own sake. When we are united, we are stronger to address issues of development and exploitation.

When we are divided, we are weaker, he said, urging African leaders to look beyond disputes. “There is something bigger ahead than petty squabbles. Present and future leaders must remember that.”

Recognizing Ethiopia’s leadership role, he concluded, “Ethiopia has a special place in history as a monument of African victory and solidarity. It should use this position to promote African unity, liberation, and economic emancipation.”