Addis Ababa, October 12, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie has described his country’s national flag as a historic emblem of the country’s hard-won independence and sovereignty and a powerful symbol of freedom, equality, and resilience for Black peoples and African nations.
In an address marking the 19th National Flag Day on Monday, observed under the theme “Our Flag for National Consensus and Unity,” the President said the flag embodies Ethiopia’s national identity, the unity of its diverse peoples, and the sacrifices generations of Ethiopians have made to preserve the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
He noted that Ethiopia had safeguarded its freedom and sovereignty for thousands of years, earning dignity and respect through its enduring history. The story of the national flag, he said, is inseparable from the country’s state-building journey and the determination of its people to defend their homeland against successive foreign invasions.
President Taye attributed this historic resilience to Ethiopians’ deep love for their country and their national flag, which has endured as an emblem of victory and independence, marked by the blood and sacrifice of national heroes.
Beyond Ethiopia, the flag holds significance across the African continent. The President said it has become a symbol of freedom, equality, and perseverance for Black peoples and Africans, with several countries drawing inspiration from its example.
He described Ethiopia as a nation rich in diverse cultures, languages, religions, and both tangible and intangible resources, emphasizing that its strength lies in the ability of its many communities to remain one nation while preserving their distinct identities.
The national flag, he said, represents the beauty of that diversity and the strength of Ethiopia’s shared national identity. It also stands for the equality of its peoples, their historical and social bonds, and the sense of belonging that unites them.
President Taye said Ethiopia had passed through serious challenges to its national existence in recent years, but the collective resolve of its people had enabled the country to overcome adversity and demonstrate its capacity to determine its own future.
He called on the present generation to uphold the legacy inherited from previous generations by reinforcing Ethiopia’s unity and national consensus, ensuring that the flag continues to fly as a symbol of the country’s dignity, sovereignty, and aspirations for greater heights.
The President concluded by urging Ethiopians to renew their commitment to safeguarding the country’s independence and advancing its comprehensive development and prosperity, declaring that Ethiopia should continue to live in dignity and honour for generations to come.