It is known that Alexander Pushkin had African roots, and his grandfather, Hannibal, served under Emperor Peter I. Pushkin monuments continue to be erected throughout Russia, but few know that he is also considered their poet in Ethiopia. On one of the pedestals under his bust in Addis Ababa, it is even inscribed: "To our poet."

On November 19, 2002, a monument to Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin was unveiled in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. This bronze bust, created by sculptor Alexander Belashov and gifted by the Moscow government, was installed in the central district on a street named after Pushkin. During the opening ceremony, his poems were recited in Russian and Amharic, and the monument was consecrated by the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Paulos. The words "To our poet" are engraved on the marble pedestal.

This event was significant for the people of Ethiopia. Interestingly, the monument took the place of a three-meter statue of V.I. Lenin, which was dismantled in 1991.

Pushkin's works have been translated into many languages, and some countries claim his legacy, including Ethiopia. Pushkinmania in Ethiopia began in the 1970s when the country actively collaborated with the USSR. Along with military instructors and engineers, writers came to the country, introducing Ethiopians to Pushkin's works. The main promoter of the poet was director Berhanu Shiberu, who translated more than twenty of his works into Amharic. Soon, Pushkin entered the school curriculum, and Soviet delegates attended conferences dedicated to him. Later, the study of Pushkin moved to universities, but his memory is preserved.

The topic of Pushkin causes disputes between Ethiopia and Eritrea, each wanting to be called his homeland. In both countries, he is studied in schools, and universities hold readings and scientific events in his honor. Pushkinmania has reached such a level that many Ethiopians believe that Pushkin was born in Ethiopia and only later moved to Russia. Literary centers are opening in Ethiopia where the Russian language and Pushkin's poetry are studied, and more and more Ethiopians are learning about him. Recently, it became known that a six-meter monument to Pushkin is planned to be erected in Ethiopia, with the project involving Russian and Ethiopian architects.