MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Ethiopia’s military held a parade in Baidoa, a town in Somalia’s Southwest State, to commemorate Adwa Victory Day—a celebration of Ethiopia’s historic defeat of Italian colonialism.
The event, attended by Southwest State President Abdiaziz Laftagaren, has ignited widespread anger among Somalis, who view it as a betrayal of their national identity and history.
Laftagaren praised Ethiopia for deploying thousands of troops to the region to combat Al-Shabaab militants. However, his remarks and the high-profile celebration of Ethiopia’s victory on Somali soil have triggered a fierce backlash on social media.
Many Somalis accuse their leaders of aligning with a historical adversary, undermining national sovereignty, and eroding Somali culture for personal political gain.
The relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia has long been fraught with tension, marked by centuries of conflict and mutual distrust. Somalis have historically viewed Ethiopia as an imperialist power with ambitions to annex their territory.
The presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia, coupled with the public celebration of Adwa Victory Day, has deepened these grievances, with critics arguing that it symbolizes a dangerous shift in the country’s historical and cultural trajectory.
Laftagaren’s rise to power in Southwest State was backed by Ethiopian military support, a fact he has openly acknowledged. He previously revealed that Ethiopian intelligence officers were stationed at his doorstep during heightened tensions between the two countries, following federal government allegations that he was colluding with Ethiopia’s spy agency.
The event has reignited debates about Somalia’s leadership and its relationship with Ethiopia, with many Somalis calling for a reevaluation of the country’s alliances and a renewed commitment to preserving its independence and cultural heritage.
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