The 47th Anniversary of the Karamara Victory: A Testament to Ethiopian Unity and Heroism

The unity of Ethiopians was once again demonstrated in the Karamara victory!

On the 5th of March, 1978 (26/06/1970 Ethiopian calendar), the day when the heroic sons and daughters of Ethiopia, the steadfast children of the nation, sacrificed their lives to repel the invading Somali Siad Barre forces at Karamara and defended their country's sovereignty, is a day to be remembered.

The Siad Barre forces, which had received significant support from the Soviet Union, were met with fierce resistance by the Ethiopian fighters known as "Karamara" and were forced to retreat back to where they came from.

At the beginning of the war, the Soviet Union was supporting Somalia, but later shifted its stance and provided substantial assistance to Ethiopia. Meanwhile, the United States, which had good relations with Ethiopia, turned its face towards Somalia.

During the war, countries such as Cuba, North Korea, South Yemen, and East Germany, among others, showed their solidarity with Ethiopia.

Records indicate that over 16,000 Cuban soldiers participated in the conflict. South Yemen also mobilized its forces in support of Ethiopia.

In the midst of varying political struggles and different circumstances, all Ethiopian forces united as one to confront the Siad Barre forces in the Karamara war, which is often cited as a significant demonstration of Ethiopia's unity.

Every year on the 26th of Yekatit(Ethiopian Calendar), the "Karamara Victory" is commemorated, and this year marks the 47th anniversary of its remembrance.