Prime Minister Abiy Sends Timket Greetings, Emphasizing Faith, Reconciliation, and National Renewal

Addis Ababa, January 18, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has conveyed a message to Ethiopian Christians on the occasion of Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany), highlighting the festival’s spiritual significance and its connection to Ethiopia’s ongoing path toward reconciliation, unity, and national renewal.

In his message, the Prime Minister emphasized that baptism is a central symbol of reconciliation and spiritual rebirth in Christianity.

He explained that humanity was separated from God through the sin of Adam and Eve but was not abandoned; through the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan, humanity regained the grace of restored communion with God.

PM.Abiy noted that Christ’s baptism, though He was without sin, served as a means of reconciliation for all people.

Linking this spiritual message to Ethiopia’s current context, the Prime Minister stressed that forgiveness and reconciliation are essential between God and humanity, among individuals, and within communities.

He described reconciliation as both an immediate act and a gradual process, requiring dialogue, understanding, and collective commitment.

The Prime Minister highlighted the work of the National Dialogue Commission over the past three years, which engaged citizens and stakeholders across the country.

He pointed out that just as barriers between God and humanity were overcome through Christ, Ethiopia’s long-standing divisions can be resolved through consultation, dialogue, and consensus rather than conflict.

Timket, he noted, is also a festival of revelation. While Christ’s early life was known to only a few, His baptism in the Jordan River revealed His mission to the wider world.

The Prime Minister compared this to Ethiopia’s present moment, in which the nation’s potential in agriculture, mining, tourism, technology, diplomacy, and industry is becoming increasingly visible after years of reform and preparation.

PM Abiy said recent reforms laid the foundation for this progress by removing obstacles, fostering understanding, and preparing the country for accelerated development.

Abiy observed that Ethiopia’s resources and capabilities are now evident, sustaining the population, driving growth, and attracting global recognition.

He emphasized that the nation’s revealed strengths require citizens to embrace unity and shared purpose to guide sustainable development.

Citing Scripture, he referred to Genesis 3:15 — “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” — to illustrate God’s plan for reconciliation and redemption, linking it to the nation’s ongoing journey of healing and progress.

The Prime Minister extended greetings to all Ethiopians on Timket, noting that the festival celebrates faith, culture, language, music, and national unity, while highlighting Ethiopia’s revealed strengths as the foundation for enduring progress.