Addressing the ceremony held at the Arat Kilo Monument in this capital in the presence of high-ranking government officials, diplomats, and the public in general, Selassie affirmed that the anniversary represents a historic triumph over fascism and Nazism.

The president congratulated the people and the patriots who secured the country’s sovereignty through their sacrifice.

He noted that the annual commemoration reflects the resistance and determined struggle that, despite limited resources and basic weaponry, defeated a well-equipped invading force.

The head of State stressed, “This victory demonstrated the power of unity to the world and protected the country’s sovereignty on the global stage.”

Selassie further emphasized that the triumph laid a lasting foundation for preventing the resurgence of fascist ideology, while underscoring the legacy passed down by the patriots, such as peace, freedom, and self-reliance.

The date marks the victory of local troops in their fight against the occupation by fascist Italy, which lasted from 1936 to 1941.

It commemorates the end of the invasion and the return of Haile Selassie (the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974) to Addis Ababa on May 5, 1941, symbolizing the defense of national sovereignty.

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