For generations, the people of Tigray endured the chains of successive rulers, suffering under national and class oppression. To break these multifaceted chains, a small group of visionary sons and daughters of Tigray—exactly 51 years ago, on the historic day of Yekatit 11 (February 1975)—lit the torch of freedom. They journeyed into the deserts of Dedebit to begin an armed struggle.

 

Believing wholeheartedly that their small number would grow into a mighty force for a popular cause, they overcame immense hardships with unwavering determination. As the people of Tigray united behind them, they confronted one of Africa’s most formidable armies. Through immense sacrifice, they defeated the fascist Derg regime and secured a historic victory.

 

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), as the organized vanguard of this movement, played a leading role in guiding the struggle ignited on Yekatit 11. Through flexibility, resilience, and wisdom, it navigated countless challenges and embedded the cause deep within the consciousness of the masses.

 

To separate the TPLF from the 17-year bitter armed struggle is to deny a truth witnessed by the world. It is an exercise in futility. Therefore, because Yekatit 11 is an inseparable part of the living history of the Tigrayan people, every Tigrayan must honor and celebrate it. Regardless of differing ideological or political beliefs today, we should all feel a collective pride in this day, for the very existence of diverse opinions is a direct outcome of the Yekatit struggle.

Failing to give Yekatit 11 its due respect, or conversely, using it to mask shortcomings and weaknesses, is unworthy of the people of Tigray. By rejecting such attitudes, we must celebrate this day in a manner befitting our history and dignity.

 

Through bitter struggle and sacrifice, the people of Tigray overthrew the Derg regime—the embodiment of backwardness and poverty—and paved the way to address the historic marginalization of nations and nationalities. We sacrificed thousands of our finest youth to secure peace, development, and equality, and to build a democratic system and good governance for our country.

However, in the last five to six years, the peace we fought for was shattered, and our federal system was endangered. The overt invasion and genocidal war waged by allied forces against the people of Tigray reached a horrific peak, halting and reversing the hard-won progress we had achieved.

 

Yet, thanks to that same bitter struggle and precious sacrifice, the people of Tigray have survived the threat of annihilation. We are celebrating this 51st anniversary at a pivotal moment: we have transitioned into a new phase of peaceful and political struggle, even as the fundamental objectives that justified our resistance remain unfulfilled.

Celebrating under the theme, “Our National Unity for the Ensuring of Our Self-Determination!” , we affirm in the name of Yekatit 11 that we will never again accept injustice or oppression. By strengthening our unity as we have in the past, we are committed to securing just answers to the fundamental questions of the Tigrayan people and overcoming the complex challenges before us.

 

Understanding this new chapter of struggle, the role of all Tigrayans, at home and abroad, is critical in the fight to:

· Ensure the territorial integrity of Tigray.

· Secure the complete withdrawal of invading forces from Tigrayan land.

· Facilitate the safe and dignified return of all displaced persons and exiles to their homes.

· Demand the full and verifiable implementation of the Pretoria Agreement.

· Restore and protect the constitutional rights of the people of Tigray.

By preserving our ironclad unity and the momentum of our struggle, let us renew our covenant on this honored day. Together, we will succeed in the peaceful and political struggle we have now begun.

“Our National Unity for the Ensuring of Our Self-Determination!”

Honor and Glory to our Heroic Martyrs!

February 10, 2018 E.C. (February 2026)

 

Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau

Mekelle