As Addis Ababa livestock and poultry markets fill ahead of the Ethiopian New Year on September 11, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has issued an official message extending his warmest greetings, reaffirming continental solidarity with the nation and celebrating its historic contributions to African unity.
African Union Leadership Issues New Year Greetings to Ethiopia
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, formally extended warm greetings and best wishes to the Government and people of Ethiopia on the occasion of the Ethiopian New Year. The African Union Commission Chairperson reaffirmed the solidarity of the AU Commission with the people of Ethiopia.
The message celebrates the country’s historic contribution to Africa’s unity, independence, and collective aspirations. On this New Year, he wishes the people of Ethiopia peace, unity, and prosperity, and renews the AU Commission’s commitment to a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa. The message concluded with the traditional greeting: Melkam Addis Amet!
Addis Ababa Markets Prepare for the Holiday
While continental leaders marked the occasion with official messages, local commerce in the capital saw heavy activity leading up to the holiday. Vendors and shoppers were seen at a livestock market ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026, in photographs captured by Xinhua photographer Geng Xinning.
The visual record documents various preparations across the capital city. People visited a market ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026. People shopped at a market ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026. People visited a livestock market ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026. Vendors were seen at a livestock market ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026.
Additional scenes from the capital show poultry vendors waiting for customers at a market ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026. Festive decorations were sold at a shop ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026. People visited a livestock market ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026. A vendor arranged goods at a market ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026.
Festive decorations were also seen at a shopping mall ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026. A vendor carried goods at a market ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026. Vendors were seen at a livestock market ahead of the Ethiopian New Year in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Sept. 9, 2026. As reported by Xinhua in Addis Ababa on Sept. 17, 2026, the Ethiopian New Year falls on Sept. 11 this year.
For media inquiries regarding the African Union Commission Chairperson’s statement, the designated contact is Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, Spokesperson of the AUC Chairperson, African Union Commission, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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