ENDF as major pacifying force in the Horn of Africa

For centuries, valor and patriotism have been in the DNA of Ethiopians, with its people even paying the ultimate price to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their country. It was a well-known fact that Ethiopians were the only African country that was never colonized and the people were the first black community to defeat a white invading force for the first time. These virtues have been instilled in the soul of the country’s army and demonstrated in many instances. The army has been a positive force, contributing to the peace and stability of the Horn of Africa and beyond. In this regard, the army has earned a good reputation and recognition from neighboring countries, where it has also helped restore stability in war-torn places.

This week, in the nation’s capital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopians celebrated the 116th National Army Day with various special events. Members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) organized a large rally and parade, showcasing their manpower and weaponry. The celebration honors the Ethiopian army’s decades-long bravery and sacrifice in defending the nation’s sovereignty and the dignity of its citizens.

The bravery of the Ethiopian National Army has earned it admiration outside of the nation. Ethiopia’s army’s bravery in several peacekeeping operations has led to its continued status as the main pacifying force in the Horn of Africa and beyond. The nation’s peacekeeping forces deployed in the Korean peninsula, the Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Somalia, and other nations successfully and morally carried out their duties. The Ethiopian army revered by Ethiopians, and the areas in which it served as a victor and moral-filled force restored peace and security to surrounding countries, inspiring fear in the faces of its fiercest adversaries. The world community acknowledges this harsh fact.

The Ethiopian army is renowned among its own people for its unshakable dedication and growing capacity to thwart planned terrorist assaults brought on by adversaries both domestic and foreign. The army at different periods drove back invading powers who tried to encroach on the sovereignty of the country. The army also put an end to violent crimes that endangered the nation’s territorial integrity and interests.

Furthermore, the reform government has been modernizing the nation’s security bodies, especially the National Defense Forces, during the last few years, and this year’s celebration follows suit. It is reasonable to argue that the nation’s security agencies are among the sectors that have experienced successful reform efforts. The government has been fully supporting the reform of the army in a number of areas since the 2018 reform.

The incumbent has placed a great deal of emphasis on strengthening the nation’s offensive and defensive capabilities because they recognize the importance of a strong army in attaining the socioeconomic development of the country. The army was restructured to become a force of the people. The Ethiopian army will continue to be a staunch force in the efforts to maintain national, regional, and world peace, so said Prime Minister and Commander in Chief of the Army of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.) speaking at the National Army Day held in Addis Ababa.

The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) has always deterred several foreign aggressions and maintained the unity and sovereignty of the nation, the Prime Minister noted, reiterating the army’s readiness to ensure peace, and stability and defend the nation’s interests towards development and prosperity.

The reform activities the ENDF has so far implemented have helped to realize a well-structured non-partisan military equipped with modern arms and technologies. The army is well equipped in the infantry, air force, and cyber spheres which the premier said is crucial to effectively deter any threat.

“Maintaining peace remains the top priority for the Ethiopian Defense Forces”, the Premier said. The Premier stressed: “Ethiopia has no any intention to seek incursion into any country; rather it will continue as a major peace force nationally, regionally, and globally.”

“History proves that Ethiopia has never been defeated by any external force and has never invaded any country, and the army has never taken part in any unprovoked combat. Because safeguarding peace remains our top priority,” he said. Saying that the time is full of uncertainty, Abiy called on members of the army to pursue knowledge, become innovative, and keep on standby for any mission in line with the changing circumstances.

With the addition of a naval force wing to the nation’s defense forces, the security structure has undergone a number of adjustments. The national defense forces’ capacity has been established. The army now has highly skilled personnel and modern technology at its disposal. The army’s ability to neutralize air and ground threats has also been strengthened. At least for the past few years, that is what has been observed. The army has not wavered in countering challenges to the country from both the inside and the outside.

With the addition of a naval force wing to the nation’s defense forces, the security structure has undergone a number of adjustments. The national defense forces’ capacity has been augmented. The army now has highly skilled personnel and modern technology at its disposal. The army’s ability to neutralize air and ground threats has also been strengthened. At least for the past few years, that is what has been observed. The army has not wavered in countering challenges to the country from both the inside and the outside.

But there are still a lot of threats facing the unstable Horn of Africa. The peace and stability of the region are still in danger due to growing terrorist networks, illicit arms trafficking, and increased militarization. Millions of people in the Horn will suffer greatly if the situation in the region, which has struggled with numerous national disasters, is not resisted collectively. Countries in the region must thus strengthen their security cooperation and give the issue careful consideration.

Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) is more capable than ever to defend national sovereignty and dignity of the country, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, ENDF Chief of Staff. The reforms carried out over the past few years have exponentially strengthened ENDF’s executing capability in various ways, according to ENA.

Field Marshal Birhanu assured that ENDF is ready with a much greater capability to defend the sovereignty and dignity of the country that it received from its heroic forefathers.

He warned foreign elements to refrain from attempts of destructive acts to destabilize Ethiopia by orchestrating internal conflicts. Field Marshal Birhanu said any attempt aimed at grabbing political power by force is absolutely unacceptable and intolerable as it is an act of dismantling a nation. The 116th National Army Day was celebrated with a variety of special events across the nation.

The day is observed to renew the commitment and dedication of the gallant army in ensuring peace and stability of the country and to demonstrate military preparedness as well as sustain the legacy of the army. It is also to commemorate those who have paid dearly in maintaining the peace and sovereignty of the country.

 BY STAFF REPORTER

The Ethiopian Herald October 29/2023

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