– ENDF commemorates 117th anniversary
ADDIS ABABA – President Taye Atske-Selassie said that Ethiopia is committed to continuing its indispensable and long stand in role in ensuring peace and stability in the Horn of Africa (HoA) and beyond.
President Taye made the above remark while celebrating the 117thanniversary of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) yesterday. The event marks the 117th anniversary of the establishment of modern Ethiopian army and honoring the sacrifices of Ethiopian military forces to safeguard the sovereignty of the nation.
He stated that the heroic defense forces are the manifestation of patriotism and nationalism, sacrificing their invaluable life to safeguard the sovereignty of Ethiopia and the wellbeing of the people. Ethiopia continues to uphold its peace and stability for the sacrifice made by the heroic defense force in protecting the nation from enemies.
Taye added that since the reform process, the army is built in a professional manner, having modern technologies and infrastructural facilities thereby overcoming difficulties easily. Accordingly ENDF is in a position that allows it to cope with any attempts from enemies and well positioned in terms of human power and weapons.
Ethiopia had not have a history of intimidating the sovereignty and freedom of any neighboring countries and beyond. Ethiopia is known for cooperation and contributing to regional peace and beyond. Therefore, Ethiopia continues contributing to regional peace and stability. The nation works to ensure collective peace and development with its neighboring countries and committed to revolve disagreements peacefully, he noted.
Delivering an opening remark at the event, Defense Minister Aisha Mohamed said that ENDF is living up to its name in safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation and also maintaining peace and stability. Ethiopia is known for cooperation, and significantly contributing to regional peace and stability and continues playing this role.
ENDF’s Chief of General Staff, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, said that apart from defending and protecting Ethiopia’s sovereignty, the defense forces have significantly contributed to maintaining peace and stability in the region and beyond deployed under the AU/UN missions.
Accordingly the defense forces have demonstrated heroism during the peacekeeping missions in Korea, Congo, Liberia, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, and South Sudan, playing a significant role in combating terrorism and maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa region. The Ethiopian army is not only equipped with modern weaponry, but is also trained and regularly prepared to carry out any duty efficiently.
Lieutenant General Alemishet Degife said that the HoA is attracting the interest of big and emerging world powers from near and far as the region is key positioned in geostrategic areas of Africa. Therefore, Ethiopia needs to act accordingly and the country’s role in the region needs to be high as the region is attracting the attention of regional and global actors.
He emphasized the critical role of Ethiopia’s army in fostering regional peace and stability to strengthen cooperation among countries in the region.
BY HAILE DEMEKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2024
