Ethiopians Celebrate Meskel While Urging Peace Amid Renewed Fighting

In the footage released by Africanews on 27 September 2026, streets across Ethiopia were awash with the bright orange of Meskel bonfires, yet the celebratory atmosphere was tempered by a pervasive call for peace. The video captures ordinary Ethiopians gathering to mark the annual Meskel festival, a tradition that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross, while simultaneously expressing deep concern over the latest round of clashes between federal troops and forces loyal to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The juxtaposition of festivity and fear underscores how national rituals continue to serve as platforms for collective yearning for stability in a country still wrestling with the shadows of past conflicts.

Meskel: A Symbolic Anchor in Turbulent Times

Meskel, observed each September, is one of Ethiopia’s most visible cultural rites. The festival is marked by the lighting of a massive bonfire, known as the “Demera,” which symbolizes the flame that, according to tradition, guided Empress Helena to the location of the True Cross. In the video, families and community groups are shown arranging the Demera, chanting, and dancing to the rhythms of traditional drums. The scene reflects how the celebration remains a unifying thread that weaves together Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic and religious tapestry.

Beyond its religious significance, Meskel functions as a social anchor that brings together citizens from urban centres like Addis Ababa to rural towns. The footage shows people of different ages and backgrounds sharing food and stories, reinforcing a sense of shared identity even as the nation faces renewed insecurity. This communal spirit is especially poignant given the backdrop of armed confrontations that have resurfaced in the country’s north.

The timing of the festival—coinciding with the latest flare‑up of fighting—has turned the celebration into a moment of collective reflection. While the bonfire’s flames illuminate the night, they also metaphorically highlight the desire of Ethiopians to see the darkness of conflict recede. The video’s narration emphasizes this duality, noting that the celebrations proceeded “with a solemn reminder of the need for peace.”

Renewed Fighting: Federal Troops Versus TPLF Loyalists

The report makes clear that the current violence involves Ethiopian federal troops confronting fighters loyal to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The TPLF, which once held significant power in the federal system, has been a central actor in the country’s recent history of conflict. The footage shows armed units on both sides, with the narrator indicating that the renewed clashes have raised “fears of another major conflict in the country’s north.”

While the video does not provide detailed casualty figures or the precise locations of the engagements, it conveys a sense of escalation. The presence of federal troops on the ground and the mobilization of TPLF loyalists suggest a deepening of hostilities that could threaten the fragile peace that has held since the last major ceasefire. The report’s tone is cautious, underscoring the uncertainty that surrounds the evolving security situation.

In the midst of this tension, the video captures spontaneous statements from citizens gathered at the Meskel celebration. Many of them voice a yearning for an end to the fighting, calling on both sides to lay down arms. Their pleas echo a broader national sentiment that the continuation of armed confrontation only deepens wounds and hampers development.

Public Calls for Peace: Voices from the Festival

One of the most striking elements of the Africanews footage is the chorus of peace appeals that rise above the festive music. Participants are heard chanting slogans that call for an end to the fighting, urging both the federal government and the TPLF to seek dialogue. The report highlights that these calls are not limited to a single demographic; they come from elders, youth, and women alike, illustrating a cross‑generational desire for stability.

The video also shows community leaders taking the microphone to address the crowd. Their messages are framed within the cultural symbolism of Meskel, urging the nation to “let the light of the Demera guide us toward reconciliation.” By invoking the festival’s spiritual themes, these leaders link the aspiration for peace to Ethiopia’s own cultural heritage, reinforcing the idea that lasting peace must be rooted in shared values.

These public pleas are significant because they reflect a grassroots push for negotiation rather than continued militarisation. While the report does not detail any formal peace initiatives, the prominence of these calls at a national celebration suggests that civil society remains engaged and hopeful that dialogue can prevail over further bloodshed.

Regional Implications: How the Conflict Echoes Across Africa

Although the video focuses on Ethiopia’s internal dynamics, the renewed fighting carries implications for the broader Horn of Africa. Ethiopia’s stability is a cornerstone for regional trade routes, humanitarian corridors, and security cooperation within the African Union (AU) and the Inter‑Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The report’s mention of “fears of another major conflict” hints at concerns that spillover effects could destabilise neighbouring states.

In the context of African institutions, the AU has historically championed conflict resolution and the protection of civilians. While the footage does not reference any specific AU mediation efforts, the public’s call for peace aligns with the continent’s broader diplomatic ethos. The Meskel gathering, therefore, can be seen as a microcosm of the continent’s yearning for mechanisms that prevent conflict escalation.

Moreover, the video’s distribution through Africanews, a pan‑African news outlet, underscores the role of media in shaping regional awareness. By broadcasting the festival and the concurrent calls for peace, the channel contributes to a pan‑African narrative that highlights the interconnectedness of cultural celebration and political stability across the continent.

Historical Context: From Past Wars to Present Uncertainty

To understand the current flare‑up, it is useful to recall Ethiopia’s recent history of conflict. The TPLF was a dominant force in the coalition that overthrew the Derg regime in 1991 and later led the federal government for nearly two decades. Tensions resurfaced dramatically in 2020 when the federal government launched a military operation against the TPLF in the Tigray region, leading to a protracted humanitarian crisis.

The video’s reference to “renewed fighting” suggests that, despite previous ceasefires, the underlying grievances between the federal authorities and the TPLF remain unresolved. The fact that these clashes have resurfaced during a period of national celebration highlights the fragility of peace agreements that have been brokered in the past.

By situating the current violence within this historical arc, the report invites viewers to consider the long‑term challenges of reconciling divergent political visions in Ethiopia. The Meskel festival, with its emphasis on unity and renewal, stands in stark contrast to the persistent divisions that have plagued the nation for years.

Looking Forward: Prospects for Dialogue and Reconciliation

The Africanews footage ends on a hopeful yet cautious note, with participants lighting the Demera and collectively chanting for peace. While the video does not outline concrete steps toward negotiation, the visible public desire for an end to hostilities suggests fertile ground for dialogue. Community leaders, civil society groups, and religious institutions could potentially serve as mediators, leveraging the cultural resonance of Meskel to foster reconciliation.

In the broader African context, mechanisms such as the AU’s Peace and Security Council and the African Union’s mediation frameworks could be mobilised to support Ethiopian peace efforts. The report’s emphasis on “renewed fighting” and the accompanying public pleas indicate that the window for diplomatic engagement remains open, provided that both the federal government and the TPLF are willing to engage in constructive talks.

Ultimately, the Meskel celebration captured in the video serves as a reminder that Ethiopia’s cultural heritage offers a powerful narrative of renewal. As the flames of the Demera rise, they illuminate not only the night sky but also the collective aspiration of a nation yearning for peace. The challenge now lies in translating that collective yearning into tangible political action that can halt the cycle of violence and allow Ethiopia to move forward, united under the shared light of its ancient traditions.

By Amara Diop, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: africanews video report (27 September 2026); africanews; Global1.News