Ethiopia Celebrates Return of iconic Tsehai Aircraft, Gifted by Italy after 86 Years

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received Tsehai aircraft, the first airplane built in Ethiopia in 1935, during a formal ceremony in Rome. The aircraft had been taken during Italy’s fascist era, amid the occupation of Abyssinia, and had been on display at the Italian Aviation Museum in Rome for several decades.

Known for its distinctive green, red, and yellow colors, Tsehai holds sentimental value as it is believed to have been named after Emperor Haile Selassie’s daughter.
The return of this symbolic aircraft to Ethiopia marks a pivotal event in the nation’s history, symbolizing the restitution of a cultural artifact that endured the turbulent period of Italy’s occupation.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his profound pride and gratitude during the ceremony, describing it as “a day of great pride for Ethiopians.” He acknowledged the efforts and support of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in facilitating the return of Tsehai to its country of origin.
In a statement on his official Twitter account, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conveyed his appreciation, saying, “Today is a day of great pride for Ethiopians as we celebrate the official handover of ‘Tsehay’ by the Italian Government. I extend my immense gratitude to Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni for her support over the past year in facilitating its return.”
The return of Tsehai is seen not only as a diplomatic gesture but also as a symbolic act of acknowledging historical injustices and fostering cultural ties between Ethiopia and Italy.