Statement by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on the Celebration of Enkutatash

Jill and I send our best wishes for a happy new year to all the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea, and all those around the world celebrating Enkutatash tomorrow, including hundreds of thousands of Americans with Ethiopian or Eritrean heritage.

Ethiopian-Americans and Eritrean-Americans are vital to every aspect of the life of our nation—enriching communities all across the United States—and I know the past year has been difficult for many of you. In addition to the pain and loss caused by COVID-19, the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia may be directly affecting your families and loved ones. We are all deeply concerned by the reports of violence against civilian populations in Ethiopia, and my Administration is engaging in robust diplomacy with our partners throughout the region to peacefully resolve conflicts in the Horn of Africa. I also recognize and appreciate the direct contributions many of you make to strengthen peace and prosperity in the region as members of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Diaspora.

The United States has a deep and long-lasting commitment to the people of the Horn of Africa. We will continue to speak out against violence and the inhumane treatment of any group of people, and we will continue our support for addressing humanitarian needs in the region. We believe Ethiopia, a great and diverse nation, can overcome its current divisions and resolve the ongoing conflict, beginning with a negotiated ceasefire. Building peace will not be easy, but it can and must begin now with dialogue and by seeking unity in our common humanity.

Melkam Addis Amet to all those celebrating. And I pray this New Year may usher forth peace, reconciliation, and healing for families and communities across Ethiopia, Eritrea, and worldwide.