1951 - Ethiopian Troops Arrive in Korea as UN Peacekeepers

On June 1, 1951, the first contingent of Ethiopian troops arrived in Korea as part of the United Nations forces fighting in the Korean War. Under Emperor Haile Selassie, Ethiopia was the only independent African country to contribute combat troops to the conflict. The elite \”Kagnew Battalion,\” named after a historic Ethiopian battle, would go on to earn international respect for their discipline and bravery. Their deployment demonstrated Ethiopia’s geopolitical autonomy and Pan-African commitment to international solidarity. Though far from home, these soldiers represented the aspirations of African nations to participate fully on the global stage. The June 1 arrival marked the first time Black African troops served in a U.N.-mandated conflict under their own national flag. It underscored Ethiopia’s unique postcolonial status and served as a symbol of African modernity, courage, and strategic alliance in a polarized Cold War era.