Ethiopia commemorates 85th Patriots’ Victory Day honoring patriots heroism over fascist Italian forces in 1941

Addis Ababa, May 5, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia today marked the 85th Patriots’ Victory Day with a national commemoration held at the Victory Monument in Arat Kilo, Addis Ababa, honoring the heroism and sacrifices of Ethiopian resistance fighters (Arbegnoch) and the end of Fascist Italian brief occupation in 1941.

Today’s ceremony brought together senior government officials, patriots and their descendants, as well as members of the public, in a solemn tribute to those who fought for national sovereignty during the occupation period.

President Taye Atske Selassie attended the event and laid a wreath at the Victory Monument in honor of fallen patriots.

Addis Ababa City Administration Mayor Adanech Abiebie also placed a wreath at the memorial, paying tribute to the sacrifices of patriots.

A wreath was likewise laid on behalf of the Ancient Ethiopian Patriots Association by Daniel Jote Mesfin, representing the families and legacy of the Arbegnoch.

Patriots’ Victory Day, observed annually on May 5, recalls the collapse of Italian brief occupation over Addis Ababa in 1941, following years of sustained resistance across the country and the military defeat of Fascist Italian forces in the region.

Ethiopia came under Italian brief occupation in 1936 after the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, with Fascist forces establishing brief control over several cities and strategic towns.

Despite this, the period was marked by continuous armed resistance led by Ethiopian Patriots (better referred as Arbegnoch in Amharic)

Operating across regions and challenging terrain, the Arbegnoch carried out coordinated guerrilla operations, ambushes, intelligence gathering, and disruption of occupation structures.

Their sustained resistance played a significant role in weakening colonial occupation and maintaining organized opposition throughout the five-year period.

The patriotic movement drew support from broad segments of society, including local leaders, clergy, farmers, and traditional fighters, forming resilient and decentralized resistance networks across the country.

The day remains a powerful national symbol of resilience, sovereignty, and the enduring legacy of Ethiopian Patriots in defending the country’s independence and sovereignty.