During the time (1936-1941), Ethiopian patriots repeated the colourful victory of Adwa (1896) through day and night confrontations residing in caves, forest and mountains, and enduring various hardships including the fascists’ chemical attacks.
The return of Italian colonizers during the reign of Emperor Haile Silassie I, forced the Emperor to flee the country. Following the Emperor’s exile, the patriots became nervous but did not lose determination to continue their resistance.
True, the fight against the well-equipped Italian invaders was never easy. However, Ethiopians have passionate love to and yearn for their flag and motherland. The patriots and citizens are never afraid to lose their lives for the sake of freedom. Freedom required an enduring patience of patriots and all Ethiopians.
Women’s role was also enormously significant. Ethiopians give a greater value to women. And in various confrontations of Ethiopia with external forces, women like Patriot Shewareged Gedilie and Patriot Sindu Gebiru played a key role in the remarkable achievements of freedom through fighting themselves and igniting the courage of men fighters. Woman Patriot Shewareged Gedilie was born in North Shewa Zone, Debre Brehan city. She was one of the key figures when one talks about patriotism and women in Ethiopia. She contributed more in encouraging and supporting more patriots to join the resistance against Italy invasion. Her patriotism was manifested in spying and disseminating messages secretly to the patriots to counter the Italians plot. She was finally killed by Italians and became a national heroine and martyr.
Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) in connection with the 81st Anniversary of Patriots Victory Day, Patriot and a member of Ethiopian Patriots Association Dagnchew Temesgen, said that in its history Ethiopia has been registering numerous victories against foreign aggressors through standing together without being divided along religious, ethnic, gender and other lines. During the colonization era though Ethiopian fighters used to use primitive weapons to defend their country from the well-armed aggressors they have been registering repetitive victory because of unique love for their country and strong unity of the people.
However, at this moment, some internal and external forces have been striving to erode the unity between ethnic and religious groups to fragment the country, setting different fragmentation strategies.
As to him, all ethnic groups found in the country sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of the country voluntarily and there was no problem of coexistence in the history of Ethiopia. However, these days the country is being challenged by lack of stability created by extremist forces that operate in ethnic and religious lines in service of those who have their own different political interests. Such extremist groups have been engaging in distorting the golden history of the country.
He advises Ethiopian youths that it is time to stand together through denouncing the destructive efforts of such groups to ensure peace and security in the country and repeat the history of their forefathers/mothers.
“There was internal power struggle among Ethiopian patriots in different times. But, when it comes to external forces, Ethiopians always join hands to ensure their country’s freedom. Naturally, every Ethiopian is a patriot. This is witnessed repeatedly in several battles where every citizen irrespective of age, sex, race and religious backgrounds march forward to defend the motherland Ethiopia.”
According to him, during the five years struggle between Ethiopians and Italian invaders, the patriots’ resistance went as far as giving their neck for the sake of freedom and victory.
Therefore, this generation should learn a lot from the experiences of the patriots. They should learn the value of persistence, optimism and action.
Currently, the Ethiopian Ancient Patriots’ Association is requesting the Ministry of Education to incorporate Ethiopia’s patriots’ experiences in various battlefields and historical achievements in its curriculum to educate the new generations about the virtues of patriotism. The real patriots stand against divisive forces and repeat the victory of their forefathers/mothers. The current generation should also preserve the victory of forefathers/mothers through guarding the motherland from any internal and external enemies that orchestrate to see its disintegration.
Meanwhile, while celebrating the 81st Patriots Victory Day at Arat Kilo, President Sahlework Zewde stressed citizens’ active participation to strengthen unity against the national threats. Strengthening national unity towards anti peace elements is a must in realizing victory against any national threats and safeguarding Ethiopia’s sovereignty under any circumstances, she added.
President Sahlework on the occasion called on Ethiopians to nurture a culture of dialogue, comprehend one another and emulate the spirit of gallantry of the patriots in defending interests of the nation and contributing to the overall development endeavours.
Accordingly, members of the diplomatic community and thousands of celebrants attended the event held to commemorate gallantry and sacrifices paid by the patriots to defend sovereignty of the nation.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 13 MAY 2022
