In February 1937, Addis Abeba became the site of one of the most devastating acts of colonial violence in African history: Yekatit 12. Triggered by an assassination attempt on Italian viceroy Rodolfo Graziani, the Italian response was immediate and horrific. Under Graziani, Ethiopians lived under racial segregation, fear, and brutal repression. The Yekatit 12 massacre, followed by forced displacement and internment on islands like Asinara, left scars that remain largely unacknowledged today. Yekatit 12 is not just history; it is a testament to courage, resilience, and the enduring fight for justice.

Source: Ethiopian News February 21, 2026 20:25 UTC