By Fikir Gilitsi, Political Analyst
On November 1, 2024, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Addis Ababa was alive with a powerful sense of pride and reflection as it hosted a unique double event. Marking the fourth celebration of 8 November – Victory Day early, the event also featured the award ceremony for the Whispers of Earth Arts Contest.Diplomats, artists, environmentalists, and community members gathered for an evening that celebrated both Azerbaijan’s resilience and its dedication to environmental dialogue. Ambassador Ruslan’s address cut to the heart of what makes Azerbaijan’s journey unique, evoking emotions and raising the often-unseen challenges of a nation asserting its place in a complex world.
For Azerbaijan, the 44-day war in 2020 wasn’t just a conflict; it was reclamation of identity. Ambassador Ruslanshared how, after nearly three decades of stalled negotiations and heartbreak, Azerbaijan finally liberated itsGarabagh region and regained control over long-lost territories. His voice reflected the weight of history, paying tribute to the nearly 3,000 Azerbaijani soldiers who gave their lives in a mission that culminated in the liberation of Shusha. For the people of Azerbaijan, Shusha represents more than just land; it’s a cultural touchstone, a piece of their soul.
“Some truths are hard for others to accept,” Ruslan said, acknowledging the lingering international resistance to this new reality. His words painted a picture of a people finally able to breathe freely in their own land, a reality hard-earned, and all the more cherished for it.
Despite the victory and the long-sought return of their homeland, Azerbaijanis know that the path forward isn’t free of obstacles. As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29, there has been criticism, especially in Western media, questioning whether an oil-producing country should lead a climate summit. Ambassador’s response to these criticisms was heartfelt, almost weary of explaining the obvious: “Most of COPs have been held in oil- and gas-producing countries,” he pointed out.
To him, these critiques are not truly about Azerbaijan’s environmental record, which is in fact is an example for many to achieve, but rather reflect a lingering unwillingness to see Azerbaijan as a sovereign, capable and independent nation. There’s a discomfort, he implied,with Azerbaijan’s independence, its ability to assert itself on the world stage. This frustration echoed the challenges many nations face when they dare to forge their own paths, defying the expectations or reservations of some power actors.
The highlight of Ambassador Ruslan’s message was the theme of unity. He introduced the audience to We, a documentary capturing the everyday lives of Azerbaijani citizens who stood strong during the war. The film shows farmers, teachers, mothers, and soldiers, ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Their stories go beyond national pride; they speak to the resilience of a people who understand that their strength lies in standing together, no matter the odds.
“We,” “is not just a word; it’s a promise.” This documentary is a reminder that Azerbaijan’s victory wasn’t solely about reclaiming land; it was about reclaiming a sense of belonging and identity. For Azerbaijanis, this achievement has forever reshaped how they see themselves and their place in the world.
The address also underscored a reality with the double standards that Azerbaijan and many nations from the Global South experience on the world stage. For him, Azerbaijan’s story isn’t just about a single victory; it’s about pushing back against narratives that diminish the sovereignty of nations.
The message was clear: Azerbaijan will continue to stand tall, a nation ready to claim its place and be seen on its own terms. The speech resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom understood the complex dance of diplomacy in a world that often holds different countries to different standards.
As emphasized, the unity that brought Azerbaijan to victory under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev remains the country’s strongest asset. it’s a bond that transcends politics and touches the very fabric of Azerbaijani life, a promise that, no matter the challenges, they will face them together.
As Azerbaijan continues its journey, the spirit of the 44-day war remains a beacon, a reminder of the power of resilience and solidarity. In the years ahead, Azerbaijan is set to play a more prominent role on the world stage. Not as a nation to be judged or questioned, but as one that has proven its strength, earned its sovereignty, and is ready to engage the world with confidence.
The address on Victory Day was more than a political speech; it was a heartfelt call to action, a reminder of what it means to be Azerbaijani, and a celebration of a people who have proven time and again that their unity can carry them through any challenge. As Azerbaijan moves forward, it does so with the pride of a nation that knows its worth and the determination to continue building on a hard-won legacy.