Ethiopia’s 26^th Victory Day (National Day) was celebrated across the nation on 28^th May – the date in 1991 when the Derg regime was overthrown – under the theme “Ethiopia: a country committed to building a Democratic Federal System on the basis of equality, justice and inclusive development as a guarantor of our Renaissance.”

At Addis Ababa’s Millennium Hall, PM Hailemariam reminded guests, including MPs, political party leaders, civil society representatives and Addis Ababa residents, of the many sacrifices the Ethiopian peoples had made during the Derg era.

After liberation, the country chose a different path, one which brought about pluralism within a federal system which guarantees equality and justice for all.

The premier said Ethiopia is proud of its rich cultural legacy, and “by rectifying historical unjust relationships [it will] live as one political and economic community.”

Ethiopia has made a lot of progress in eradicating poverty through sustainable development, promoting peace and regional integration in the process and all nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia are benefiting.

Ethiopia is an island of peace in a complex region and its contribution to regional, continental and global peace and security has expanded. Today`s Ethiopia is one of Africa`s most sought after convention destinations, favoured by conference organisers who hold world-class events there, including the Sustainable Development Goals conference, the 6^th World Hydropower Congress and the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock.

The successful campaign for the leadership of WHO, by former health and foreign minister Dr Tedros Adhanom, is another testimony to Ethiopia`s successful comeback to international development fora. Most developed democracies are today Ethiopia`s development partners. Ethiopia, as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, is playing its part in addressing the world`s most complex challenges. World leaders accompanied by business people have been visiting Ethiopia, and the Premier and Foreign Minister have ensured that the voices of Ethiopia and of Africa are heard and respected at international level.

Ethiopia has, though, witnessed a series of difficult incidents and needs to work hard to continue its focus on sustaining all-inclusive development, alleviating any weaknesses, the premier said. In future, we will fully address inclusivity, fostering peace and strengthening the building of our democratic process. Celebrating Victory Day, we consolidate our democratic unity. By examining the processes and challenges, and with a tailor-made roadmap to resolve these issues, we will bring about full equality, unity-in-diversity, tolerance and, inevitably, our renaissance.