Prime Minister Abiy Links Eid al-Adha Values to National Unity and Democratic Participation

Addis Ababa, June 18, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended his congratulations to Muslims in Ethiopia and across the world on the occasion of Eid al-Adha 1447, emphasizing the festival’s values of sacrifice, solidarity and social responsibility, while also underscoring the importance of national unity and democratic participation.

In his message, the Prime Minister said Eid al-Adha is rooted in enduring principles of sacrifice, obedience and mutual support, drawing lessons from the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail.

He noted that the essence of the holiday goes beyond ritual observance, reflecting the deeper human values of placing collective interests above personal considerations and working for the common good.

The Prime Minister stressed that nations are built through sacrifice and commitment, saying Ethiopia’s strength depends on citizens who are willing to prioritize national interests and contribute to shared prosperity and stability.

He further called on citizens to actively support national development efforts aimed at overcoming poverty, strengthening productivity and restoring the country’s collective aspirations for progress.

Highlighting the social dimension of the holiday, Abiy Ahmed said Eid al-Adha embodies compassion, cooperation and solidarity, particularly through the tradition of sharing sacrifices with the less fortunate.

He emphasized that such values reinforce social cohesion, which he described as essential for peace, security and national unity, adding that citizens must continuously uphold mutual responsibility and empathy in addressing societal challenges.

The Prime Minister also linked these values to Ethiopia’s democratic process, describing elections as a key pillar of public participation and democratic governance.

Referring to the upcoming national elections, he said the process represents an important moment to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and ensure inclusive representation in the legislative system.

As Ethiopians mark Eid al-Adha, the Prime Minister called on citizens to translate the spirit of the holiday into civic action by fulfilling their democratic responsibilities and actively participating in the electoral process.