Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on Belarus’ Independence Day:
“Dear Belarusians!
Belarus became an independent state on this day 33 years ago. What many generations of Belarusians had dreamed of finally became a reality. Our country returned to the map of Europe. We regained our state, our coat of arms, and our flag, and later adopted our own Constitution.
In Belarus’ history, the events of March 25, 1918, when the Belarusian Democratic Republic (BNR) proclaimed its independence, July 27, 1990, when the Declaration of State Sovereignty was adopted, and August 25, 1991, when the Declaration gained the status of constitutional law, all stand as milestones in Belarusians’ struggle for the right to have our own state.
Some people say that independence ‘fell out of a clear blue sky’. This is not true. Belarus’ independence became possible thanks to the struggle and work of generations of Belarusian patriots: the founding fathers of the BNR and the participants of the Slutsk Uprising; the Belarusian underground resistance; youth associations and the intelligentsia; the diaspora, which defended the interests of Belarusians across the world during the years of Soviet occupation; tens of thousands of Belarusians who, despite fear and propaganda, took to the central squares in Minsk and other cities and towns; and, of course, the brave opposition members of the Supreme Soviet who enshrined Belarus’ independence in foundational laws.
Our country’s entire history is actually about fighting for freedom. We rose every time they tried to enslave us. We waged partisan battles every time the army lacked soldiers. We transitioned to quiet protests and did not let the freedom-loving Belarusian heart stop beating every time it seemed all was lost.
Belarusians possess qualities that have always helped us endure dark times, like patience and diligence, tolerance and peace-loving nature, a sense of justice, and a love for our land. And I believe these qualities and our solidarity will allow us to reclaim our home, free people from prisons, and defend the independence of our country like they did before. As 2020 showed, we Belarusians know how to make ourselves known and surprise the world.
Let us all continue the fight. Do not let dictators make you lose faith or doubt the chosen path. Spread information among your neighbors, friends, and family. Speak Belarusian. Show solidarity. Help those in need, especially our political prisoners, the repressed, and volunteer fighters. Let these be small steps that you take daily. “Through storms and obstacles, we march towards our goal. And we will reach it, as long as it is still there”, said Ales Bialiatski, our wise and unbreakable Nobel laureate.
And I would like to address those who work within the system, in the state apparatus and the army. I know there are many decent people among you. Regardless of your views, positions, and duties, remember. Independence is the highest value and the greatest achievement of our people. Do not allow the regime to destroy what we achieved on August 25, 1991, sell our country to Russia, and drag our nation into war. You must serve the Belarusian people, not a criminal dictator who is willing to sacrifice the country’s independence to maintain his power.
In conclusion, I want to once again congratulate all Belarusians on August 25 – the Day of Restoration of Independence. But I am confident there will be another date – the day when the Belarusian people finally cast off the burden of dictatorship for good and, as Yakub Kolas wrote, emerge ‘into the open space, onto the broad expanse’ to rebuild our country for ourselves and future generations.
Long Live Belarus!”
