Ethiopia despite the trials and tribulations throughout its history has been bearing the torch and remains at the forefront in promoting peace both globally and within Africa. Ethiopian servicemen and peacekeeping force, under the auspices of the United Nations and the African Union, have successfully and impeccably executed their mission in Korea, Congo, Somalia, Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, and other countries, fulfilling their mission with distinction. This sacred virtue is in Ethiopia’s DNA and is deeply rooted in its history.
The country’s unwavering resolve to advance Africa’s and the world’s cause has not and will not falter with time and has remained steadfast through changing governments. Its impeccable peacekeeping missions are a stark reminder of its strong, unflinching stand and are part and parcel of its dedication to noble causes.
As a key participant in UN peacekeeping missions across conflict zones and contributing significantly to regional and global peace efforts, Ethiopia has earned a strong reputation for mediating disputes and brokering peace in countries like Somalia and Sudan, further solidifying its role as a regional stabilizer.
Ethiopian soldiers have made tremendous sacrifices in the pursuit of peace, often paying the ultimate price. Since the Korean War, the country has contributed significantly to international peacekeeping efforts. Its diplomatic resilience maintaining strong ties even with adversaries has been a hallmark of its foreign policy.
The country has played an indispensable role in curbing the prolonged conflict in Somalia, working to restore order, peace, and stability by countering the Al-Shabaab insurgency. Its contributions have been vital in helping Somalia, once a stronghold for Al-Shabaab, rebuild a functioning state and achieve self-reliance. Since 2007, Ethiopian forces under the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) have been key in combating Al-Shabaab and stabilizing the country. Ethiopia’s efforts in restoring peace and stability in Somalia have earned widespread recognition, with Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) soldiers receiving African Union medals in acknowledgment of their service.
The recent awarding of UN medals to Ethiopian peacekeepers under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is not merely a ceremonial act but a profound acknowledgment of the selflessness and dedication of those serving in some of the world’s most challenging conditions .
Alongside peacekeepers from South Korea and India, Ethiopian forces have demonstrated unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability in South Sudan’s volatile regions, particularly in Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
Lately, Ethiopian peacekeepers deployed in South Sudan under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have received UN medals for a variety of key contributions in South Sudan.
“While giving medals to uniformed peacekeepers may appear to be a standard procedure, it is an act that carries profound meaning. The Blue Helmets who receive them have proved their worth by demonstrating selflessness, commitment, and sacrifice, often under challenging circumstances, said Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian, Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), at three recent medal-pinning events in Bor.
The 18th Ethiopian contingent conducted 124 short and long-duration patrols, including some by air, to deter violence against civilians. They have also completed about 1,000-foot patrols and provided force protection for countless missions undertaken by UNMISS and humanitarian partners.
This recognition is a justification of Ethiopia’s valor and heroism towards maintaining global peace and rekindling hope for the desperate.
To sum up, Ethiopia has remained a steadfast partner to countries near and far even during periods of nation upheaval. Across successive regimes, the country has demonstrated unwavering loyalty and credibility in its efforts to foster peace and stability. This glittering track record will continue down the roads with the valor and determination of its troops.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024
