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Jabulani Chisipo Correspondent
The Ethiopian Embassy last week celebrated the 75th anniversary of the “Patriot’s Victory Day” to honour fighters killed during the Italian invasion of the Horn of Africa country in 1936.
The day is celebrated on May 5 annually to mark the end of the Italian occupation. Ethiopians defeated the Italian army during the battle of Adwa.
The Italians occupied Ethiopia between 1936 and 1941 before they were defeated and booted out of the country.
Ethiopia is the only African country to retain its sovereignty after defeating the invaders twice, in 1896 and 1941.
Ethiopian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Mustafe Dek Abdisalam said his country was proud of being the only country to ward off imperialist invasion.
Zimbabwe has also become the latest African country to openly fight Western neo-colonialism.
“Convey the message that Ethiopia is a country which was not colonised. Ethiopia is a country that has defeated the Italians twice at the Battle of Adwa of March 1896 and on 5th of May 1941. Today 5th of May is the anniversary of Patriotic Day,” Ambassador Abdisalam.
The Italian troops entered Addis Ababa on May 5 1936 and hoisted the Italian tricolor flag, signalling the occupation of Ethiopia.
Reports say during the early stages of World War ll, the British forces helped Ethiopian fighters liberate their country.
Emperor Haile Selassie then entered Addis Ababa on May 5 1941.
Patriots Victory Day was declared a national holiday to commemorate the end of the Italian occupation.
In his message, Ethiopian President Dr Mulatu Teshome Wirtu urged Ethiopia youths to emulate the fighters who liberated their country.
“The victory served as a source of inspiration and strength to the youths of the country. The youth should intensify their efforts to sustain the ongoing national development projects and the country’s renaissance,” he said.
In honour of the sacrifices by gallant Ethiopian fighters, the African Union has set the continental head offices in Addis Ababa.
Online Reporter