Addis Ababa, May 5, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for an expanded and renewed sense of national patriotism, stating that Ethiopia’s future progress depends on citizens’ active contribution across all sectors to drive the country toward prosperity and global standing.
In a message delivered on the occasion of the 85th Patriots’ Victory Day, also known as Miyaziya 27, the Prime Minister extended congratulations to all Ethiopians, marking the historic day commemorating the victory over the Fascist Italian invasion and the full restoration of Ethiopia’s sovereignty.
He stated that Ethiopian Patriots’ Victory Day represents a defining moment in national history, when heroic patriots defeated the invading Fascist forces and safeguarded the country’s independence.
The Prime Minister described patriotism as a selfless commitment to the nation, emphasizing that its purpose is centered on Ethiopia and its people, rather than individual or group interests. He noted that true patriotism contributes to the freedom, sovereignty, and dignity of the country.
He explained that Ethiopian patriot mothers and fathers fought for the nation and its people, stressing that their struggle was not driven by personal benefit. He added that, in contrast, “quisling” behavior represents the prioritization of self-interest over national responsibility.
According to the Prime Minister, the patriotic struggle was directed against three key adversaries: self-interest, collaborators, and invading Fascist forces. He defined patriotism as the ability to overcome personal ambition, pride, and individual gain for the sake of the country.
He further stated that those unable to overcome self-interest fall into collaboration, which he described as the act of compromising national honor and interests for personal benefit. He added that collaborators mislead the public and weaken national cohesion.
The Prime Minister noted that Ethiopian patriots at the time resisted both invading forces and those who supported them through misinformation and collaboration.
He further stated that while the forms and names of these challenges may have changed, similar threats persist today in different manifestations. He emphasized that Ethiopia still requires committed patriots across all sectors of society.
Prime Minister Abiy called for what he described as “national patriots” in all fields, including industry, agriculture, security, politics, business, diplomacy, civil service, healthcare, and education, underscoring that patriotism must be reflected in everyday professional contribution.
He urged citizens to use Patriots’ Victory Day as an opportunity for reflection, asking how each individual contributes to the nation’s progress and development.
The Prime Minister further noted that contemporary challenges include individuals driven by personal gain, those who undermine national interests for private benefit, and those who misuse public resources. He also cited poverty, backwardness, and corruption as key obstacles affecting national development.
He emphasized that modern patriotism requires confronting and overcoming these challenges, noting that Ethiopia’s ongoing renewal and development is driven by citizens serving the country across various sectors.
While acknowledging progress, he stated that the effort toward national transformation is ongoing. He recalled that the historic victory over Fascist Italian forces in 1941 was declared on Miyaziya 27, and added that a broader national victory will be achieved when Ethiopia becomes a symbol of prosperity in Africa and a strong global nation.
He concluded by calling on all Ethiopians who love their country to rise and contribute to realizing this national vision of prosperity and global standing.