Addis Ababa, February 20, 2026 (FMC) — President Taye Atske Selassie has called on patriot elites and the current generation to hold high the torch of sacrifice and advance Ethiopia’s grand vision and national aspirations.
In a message issued on Thursday for the observance of the 89th Yekatit 12 Ethiopian Martyrs’ Day, the President said the commemoration stands as a testament to the enduring truth that loving Ethiopia and dedicating oneself to the nation remains an inextinguishable furnace of thought and an unquenchable warmth of spirit.
He emphasized that committing oneself to a national vision is a cherished tradition in Ethiopia. The love for the country, evident in the present generation as well, continues to serve as a vital force and a sustained call to action.
President Taye urged the new generation to carry forward the torch of sacrifice inherited from the past, embracing wisdom and a strong work ethic to elevate Ethiopia’s grand vision and aspirations.
Yekatit 12, observed on February 19 in the Gregorian calendar, marks one of the darkest chapters in Ethiopia’s modern history. In 1937, thousands of innocent civilians in Addis Ababa were massacred over a brutal three-day period by Fascist occupation forces following an assassination attempt against colonial administrators.
The atrocity, remembered as “Yekatit 12” in the Ethiopian calendar, targeted intellectuals, clergy, civil servants, and ordinary residents, leaving deep scars on the nation’s collective memory and symbolizing the heavy price paid in defense of sovereignty and dignity.
Observed annually as Ethiopian Martyrs’ Day, Yekatit 12 serves as a solemn reminder of the resilience and unity that ultimately fueled the country’s resistance against Fascist occupation.
Memorial ceremonies are held at the Yekatit 12 Monument and across the country to honor the patriots and civilians who sacrificed their lives.
The day not only commemorates the victims of the massacre but also reinforces Ethiopia’s enduring commitment to independence, national pride, and the preservation of historical memory for future generations.