Ethiopians Celebrate Festival With Urgent Appeals For Peace

News Desk
ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopian communities gathered across the country to mark the ancient religious festival of Meskel, using the solemn occasion to issue passionate appeals for national peace and unity amidst ongoing armed conflicts.
The centuries-old Christian celebration, which commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Empress Helena, drew thousands of faithful to traditional bonfire ceremonies despite severe security challenges and economic strains gripping parts of the Horn of Africa nation.
Religious leaders and community elders led prayers for reconciliation, emphasizing that the symbolic burning of the large wooden pyre, known as the Demera,
should serve as a beacon of hope to end internal hostilities. The festivities unfolded under heavy security vigilance as authorities sought to ensure the safety of worshippers participating in the UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage event, which traditionally brings together millions of Orthodox Christians nationwide.
The juxtaposition of festive celebration against the backdrop of persistent regional instability highlights the deep yearning among ordinary citizens for lasting stability. The ongoing clashes have displaced countless families, strained the national economy, and disrupted vital infrastructure, making the collective cry for dialogue and ceasefire more urgent than ever before for the country’s diverse population.
As the holiday proceedings conclude, international observers and domestic peace advocates are closely monitoring whether the spiritual resonance of Meskel can foster renewed political willingness for peace talks. Community representatives have urged all warring factions to lay down their arms and prioritize humanitarian relief, paving the way for a sustainable national reconciliation process in the months ahead.