ADDIS ABABA — Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley arrived in Ethiopia’s capital Wednesday for a landmark visit focused on reparatory justice and Pan-African cooperation. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally welcomed his Caribbean counterpart at Bole International Airport.

A poignant moment of her visit came at the Adawa Memorial, which commemorates Ethiopia’s decisive victory over Italian forces in 1896. The Battle of Adawa stands as a defining moment in African history, marking the first time an African nation successfully resisted European colonial powers. Under Emperor Menelik II’s leadership, Ethiopian forces defeated well-equipped Italian troops, preserving Ethiopia’s independence and inspiring anti-colonial movements across Africa and the African diaspora.

The memorial site, which includes preserved battlefield artifacts and historical displays, serves as a powerful symbol of African resistance and self-determination. For many visitors, including diaspora leaders like Mottley, it represents a crucial historical link in the ongoing discussions about colonialism, reparations, and justice.

Following her visit to the memorial, Mottley joined fellow leaders for the 38th African Union Summit, which runs through Sunday. The summit, themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” has drawn heads of state and government from all 55 AU member states. Representatives from international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector are also attending the high-level gathering.

At the heart of this year’s agenda is the advancement of reparatory justice and the promotion of racial healing across the African continent. The choice of theme reflects growing calls for addressing historical injustices and their ongoing impact on people of African descent worldwide.

Mottley’s participation underscores strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean, regions united by shared historical experiences and contemporary challenges. Her presence at the summit marks a significant step in fostering dialogue between African nations and the African diaspora.