In solemn remembrance of the countless Ethiopians whose lives were taken, homes destroyed, and families torn apart during the era of Italian colonial aggression. Ethiopia first faced Italian military encroachment in the late 19th century, and after initial resistance, was again invaded in 1935 under Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime. Despite fierce resistance, the Italian occupiers controlled much of the country until 1941, when Ethiopian patriots, together with Allied forces in World War II, restored Ethiopia’s sovereignty.

Over these years of occupation, hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians lost their lives through warfare, reprisals, massacres such as the infamous Yekatit 12 massacre of February 1937, and repression of resistance movements. Estimates vary, but the toll is remembered in Ethiopia as vast and heartbreaking, with some scholarly sources placing total losses—including civilians, resistance fighters, and victims of reprisals and forced displacement—into the hundreds of thousands.

We honor the courage and sacrifice of Ethiopian heroes who stood for freedom and paid with their lives under Italian colonial rule, including but not limited to:

Notable pro‑independence leaders and martyrs killed by Italian colonial authorities:

Abune Petros – A revered Ethiopian bishop who joined the resistance and was executed by Italian forces in July 1936 for openly opposing the invasion.

Ras Desta Damtew – A noble, army commander and leader in the Ethiopian defence, executed by Italian authorities in February 1937 after capture.

Haile Mariam Mammo – A leading figure in the Ethiopian Patriot (Arbegnoch) resistance who died from wounds in combat in 1938, fighting Italian forces.

Hailu Kebede – A commander of the Patriot movement who fell in battle and was killed by Italian colonial troops in 1937, with his body publicly displayed to terrorize others.

In addition to these leaders, countless other Arbegnoch (Patriots) and ordinary civilians—men, women, and children—were captured, summarily executed, or perished resisting occupation during this period.

May we remember and honor their memory, and the enduring spirit of the Ethiopian people who stood steadfast in the face of oppression. Their sacrifice continues to inspire the ongoing pursuit of justice, dignity, and freedom for all.