Addis Ababa, March 5, 2025.- Today, March 5, 2025, at the Ethiopia-Cuba Friendship Park, known as the Tiglachin Monument ("Our Struggle" in Amharic), the 47th anniversary of the victory of Karmara was commemorated. This historic event marked a decisive moment in the defense of Ethiopian sovereignty and in the maintenance of regional integrity, with the decisive support of Cuban internationalist troops.
The ceremony was attended by associations of friendship with Cuba, war veterans, children of Ethiopian martyrs, soldiers of the Ethiopian Ministry of Defense, members of the Latin American diplomatic corps and the Cuban diplomatic mission in the country.
The Cuban ambassador to Ethiopia, Meylin Suárez Álvarez, stressed the importance of carrying out the activity in the park that honors the memory of the 163 Cuban combatants fallen in the struggle for Ethiopia's sovereignty. She stressed that this place symbolizes the ties of blood and deep friendship between both peoples, forged on the battlefield. In her speech, she recalled the words of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro:
"Without Africa, without its sons and daughters, without its culture and customs, without its languages and its gods, Cuba would not be what it is today. The Cuban people therefore owe a debt to Africa that increases with the heroic history we have shared."
For his part, Ambassador Abraham Mengistu, deputy director of Europe and America of the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, praised the ties of brotherhood between Cuba and Ethiopia. He affirmed that solidarity and shared sacrifice at crucial moments in history have cemented an unbreakable relationship, based on mutual respect and collaboration in various areas.
Abebe Ayelew, president of the Association of Friendship between the Peoples of Ethiopia and Cuba, on behalf of the Ethiopian-Cubans, expressed eternal gratitude to Cuba for its help in maintaining Ethiopia's territorial integrity. He underscored the greatness of the Caribbean nation in providing education and training to thousands of young Ethiopians, many of them orphans of war, who today contribute to the development of their country.
During the ceremony, war veterans shared experiences of the struggle with Cubans, highlighting the humanity, companionship, bravery and dedication in combat of Cuban soldiers.
Floral offerings were laid at the foot of the murals that show the portraits of the 163 fallen Cuban combatants, as a sign of respect and recognition of their sacrifice.
This act reaffirms the will of both peoples to maintain and strengthen the historic ties of friendship and cooperation, honoring the memory of those who gave their lives for the freedom and sovereignty of Ethiopia. This year also has a special meaning for both countries, as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Ethiopia, a friendship based on solidarity, cooperation and brotherhood forged in the most difficult moments of shared history.
(EmbaCuba-Etiopía)