May 28

The Downfall of the Derg is celebrated every May 28 in Ethiopia to honor the overthrow of the Marxist-Leninist military junta. On this day in 1991, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front captured Addis Ababa, ending the Derg’s authoritarian rule. This pivotal event restored hope for democracy and set the stage for a transitional government. Festivities include cultural performances, speeches by political leaders, and community gatherings across the nation. Ethiopians reflect on the sacrifices made during the civil war and the regime’s brutal famines and purges. Educational programs and media coverage revisit the Derg era’s history to promote national unity and reconciliation. The commemoration reinforces the value of freedom and democratic governance for future generations.

On May 28, 1918, both Armenia and Azerbaijan declared independence from the short-lived Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic. This pivotal moment led to the formation of the First Republic of Armenia and the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Though the federative state collapsed after only a month, each new republic asserted national sovereignty. Azerbaijan continues to celebrate May 28 as Republic Day, commemorating its emergence as the first secular democratic republic in the Muslim world. In Armenia, the day is remembered by historians and cultural groups as the birth of modern Armenian statehood. Events include wreath-laying at historical monuments, scholarly lectures, and cultural performances. This commemoration underscores the enduring legacy of statehood and independence in both nations’ modern histories.

Youm-e-Takbir, observed on May 28 in Pakistan, commemorates the nation’s first public nuclear weapon tests in 1998. The term translates to 'Day of Greatness,' reflecting Pakistan’s assertion of nuclear capability. Civil and military leaders deliver speeches praising the scientific achievement and its impact on national security. Ceremonies include flag-raising, parades, and seminars on nuclear science and peaceful applications of atomic energy. Media channels broadcast documentaries and interviews with the scientists and engineers behind the tests. Educational institutions hold symposiums to discuss nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and Pakistan’s defense strategy. Youm-e-Takbir highlights the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and national pride in Pakistan’s modern history.