Addis Ababa, March 5, 2023. The Ethiopia-Cuba Friendship Park hosted the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the victory in the Ogaden War, known in Ethiopia as the Victory of Karramara, for the site of the decisive battle. The event was attended by members of the Cuban State Mission, Generals and veterans of that deed, relatives of the martyrs of this nation, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and city authorities, Ethiopians graduated in Cuba and Cuban residents.
This celebration paid tribute to the history of brotherhood that exists between Ethiopia and Cuba and whose recognition was expressed by Cuban Ambassador Jorge Lefebre Nicolás, in his opening words when he said: "They were days of hard struggle, sacrifice and also of deep sadness to see so many young soldiers, Ethiopians and Cubans fall, but at the same time Karramara gave birth to an admirable relationship of brotherhood between Cuba and Ethiopia that has lasted over the last 45 years."
The Cuban diplomat also exalted Cuba's pride in sharing these pages of history with the Ethiopian people who until today maintain close ties of friendship and gratitude towards the Cuban people and government.
Abebe Ayalew, president of the Association of Friendship between the peoples of Ethiopia and Cuba, extended the gratitude of all Ethiopian-Cubans to the Cuban government and people, for having allowed them to study, train as professionals and be able to help in the development of their nation.
For his part, Eshete Tilahun, director general for Latin America and Europe of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thanked Cuba for its continued support towards his country, highlighted the sacrifice and accompaniment of Cuban troops during the battle of Karramara in a true demonstration of international solidarity.
Floral offerings were placed at the base of the monuments that remember the 163 Cubans killed during Operation Baraguá, the name with which the Comander in Chief, Fidel Castro, codified the Cuban operation in the Ogaden war.
(EMBACUBA ETHIOPIA)