By Staff Writer October 25, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia’s key developments this week highlighted an interconnected national agenda: strengthening African leadership, accelerating economic transformation, building institutional capacity and safeguarding strategic interests amid a rapidly changing regional and global order. From the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa to the inauguration of the Megech Dam, the country’s engagements reflected a broader effort to connect continental cooperation with tangible development outcomes at home. Economic reforms, agricultural modernization, technological capacity-building and the National Dialogue further underscored the importance of building a resilient state capable of translating national ambitions into lasting results. At the same time, discussions surrounding Red Sea access, Abay River including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and regional security highlighted the complex geopolitical environment in which Ethiopia is pursuing its development priorities. Tana Forum Puts African Leadership and Economic Sovereignty in Focus The 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa brought African leaders, policymakers and experts to Bahir Dar to examine pathways to peace amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical competition and shifting global power dynamics. Addressing the forum, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the need for African-led solutions, stronger collective action and economic sovereignty, stressing the importance of enabling the continent to shape its own future rather than remain on the margins of global decision-making. The African Union echoed the call for greater cooperation and strategic independence, underscoring the importance of collective capacity in navigating an increasingly complex international environment. Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama described the Tana Forum as an authentic African platform for candid reflection and strategic foresight. The gathering provided an opportunity to assess the continent’s security challenges and explore solutions grounded in African realities, priorities and experiences. Prime Minister Abiy’s engagements with Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo further reinforced the diplomatic dimension of the gathering. His joint visit with President Mahama to Fasilides Castle in Gondar also brought Ethiopia’s historical heritage into the wider program of high-level engagements. Beyond the discussions themselves, the forum raised a fundamental question: how can Africa translate its abundant resources, demographic potential and collective influence into greater economic independence and geopolitical agency? For Ethiopia, the gathering offered an opportunity to contribute to this continental debate while strengthening engagement with African partners. Megech Dam Links Infrastructure with Food and Water Security While the Tana Forum focused on Africa’s strategic future, the inauguration of the Megech Dam in Gondar demonstrated how Ethiopia is pursuing development through investment in critical infrastructure. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially inaugurated the project, which has a storage capacity of 185 million cubic meters and is expected to support irrigation across more than 17,000 hectares of farmland. The dam will also provide drinking water to Gondar and surrounding towns. Its anticipated benefits extend beyond water storage. By supporting irrigation, the project is expected to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve food security and reduce farmers’ dependence on seasonal rainfall. It also offers opportunities for employment, fisheries, tourism and urban agriculture. The project illustrates the relationship between infrastructure investment and broader economic transformation. Reliable water supplies can support agricultural production, expand economic activity and improve livelihoods, particularly when complemented by effective management and access to markets. Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the overcoming of longstanding implementation challenges through the Medemer philosophy and emphasized the importance of further development in Gondar. President Mahama, who attended the inauguration, said the project had inspired renewed efforts to advance Ghana’s long-delayed Pwalugu Irrigation Project. His remarks underscored the potential for African countries to learn from one another’s development experiences and adapt successful approaches to their own circumstances. The Megech Dam thus represents more than an engineering achievement. It reflects the broader challenge of converting natural resources into productive assets that support food security, employment and sustainable economic growth. Indigenous Capacity at the Heart of Economic Transformation Ethiopia’s development agenda also places growing emphasis on indigenous capacity—the ability to design, implement, operate and sustain projects through domestic expertise and institutions. Infrastructure alone cannot guarantee lasting transformation. Its long-term value depends on the availability of skilled professionals, effective institutions, appropriate technologies and productive industries capable of supporting and expanding the investments made. Economic developments during the week reflected this wider ambition. Ethiopia and the United States Treasury reaffirmed their partnership in advancing economic reforms and bilateral engagement, while investment outreach to businesses from the United Arab Emirates highlighted opportunities for longer-term commercial partnerships. Meanwhile, Airbus projected that passenger traffic in Ethiopia could grow sixfold over the next 20 years, pointing to substantial potential for aviation and related services. Realizing that growth will require sustained investment in infrastructure, workforce development and operational capacity. Agriculture also remained central to the country’s development priorities, with continued efforts to strengthen productivity and build a more sustainable agricultural sector. These priorities are mutually reinforcing. Economic reforms can help create conditions for investment, infrastructure can expand productive capacity, and technology and skills can improve efficiency and competitiveness. Ultimately, the impact of these initiatives will be measured by their contribution to employment, domestic industries, household incomes and improved living standards. Strengthening indigenous capacity is therefore essential to ensuring that Ethiopia’s development ambitions are not only achieved but sustained over the long term. Red Sea Access and Regional Geopolitics Remain Strategic Priorities Ethiopia’s development ambitions are closely connected to its geopolitical environment, particularly the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor. Discussions during the week highlighted the strategic importance of maritime access, regional stability and the competition among external powers around one of the world’s significant commercial and security corridors. Ambassador Zerihun Abebe emphasized Ethiopia’s geographic position and historical connections to the Red Sea, framing maritime access as an important issue for the country’s long-term strategic and economic interests. As a landlocked country reliant on maritime routes for international trade, Ethiopia has a direct interest in secure, reliable and economically viable access to global markets. Developments around the Red Sea therefore have implications not only for national security but also for trade, logistics and economic competitiveness. Advisor to the Prime Minister on East African Affairs, Getachew Reda, also underscored Ethiopia’s pivotal geopolitical position. Meanwhile, Professor Al Mariam expressed concern over Eritrea’s policies and their implications for regional stability, while criticizing the Cairo–Asmara relationship. These assessments reflect the perspectives of the respective commentators amid continuing regional tensions. The GERD and Ethiopia’s relations with Egypt also remained part of the wider debate. Egyptian analyst Magdi Khalil argued that attempts to obstruct the dam had been a mistake and advocated strategic relations between the two countries. His position highlights the potential benefits of moving beyond confrontation toward constructive engagement. The GERD is central to Ethiopia’s electricity-generation ambitions, while Nile water security remains a major concern for Egypt. Sustained dialogue, cooperation and mutually beneficial arrangements are important to addressing these concerns and reducing tensions. The broader challenge for the region is to reconcile legitimate national interests with the shared need for peace, secure trade routes and economic cooperation. Pursuing strategic priorities through diplomacy and practical engagement offers a more sustainable basis for regional stability than prolonged confrontation. National Dialogue Seeks a Foundation for Lasting Consensus Alongside development and diplomacy, Ethiopia’s National Dialogue continued to focus on addressing longstanding political, social and governance questions through an inclusive process. Organized around eight pillars, the initiative seeks to create space for dialogue on issues affecting the country’s political arrangements, institutions, social relations and future direction. Its significance lies in the possibility of building a broader foundation for consensus in a country whose stability and development depend, in part, on the ability to manage differences constructively. Moving from deliberation toward consensus is an important step, but the process’s long-term value will depend on the inclusiveness of participation, the credibility of its outcomes and the extent to which areas of agreement can be translated into meaningful action. The week’s discussions among African Supreme Audit Institutions also highlighted the importance of institutional accountability and cooperation. Effective oversight of public resources is critical to ensuring that development commitments deliver tangible benefits and that public institutions maintain public trust. Together, these efforts point to a central requirement for sustainable national progress: institutions must not only deliver services and development but also promote accountability, confidence and constructive engagement. Human Capital and Technology Shape Future Competitiveness Ethiopia’s longer-term development ambitions increasingly depend on its ability to equip its population for a technology-driven global economy. Discussions during the week highlighted artificial intelligence, digital skills and private-sector investment in human-capital development, reflecting the growing importance of technological competence across industries. As digital technologies reshape production, services and employment, investment in skills is becoming an essential component of national competitiveness. However, the benefits of technological advancement depend on more than access to digital tools. Quality education, practical training, research, effective institutions and private-sector participation are equally important. These priorities complement Ethiopia’s infrastructure and economic reform agenda. Roads, dams, transport networks and digital systems create opportunities, but skilled people and capable institutions are needed to operate them efficiently and convert investment into productivity. Building human capital is therefore not a separate development objective; it is a foundation for sustaining economic growth, expanding employment and strengthening Ethiopia’s capacity to compete in an increasingly technology-driven world. Connecting National Transformation with African Ambitions Taken together, this week’s developments reveal a common thread linking Ethiopia’s domestic priorities with its regional and continental engagement. The Tana Forum placed African-led solutions and economic sovereignty at the center of discussions on peace and security. The Megech Dam demonstrated how investment in water infrastructure can advance agriculture and food security. Economic reforms, aviation growth and technological skills highlighted the importance of expanding productive capacity, while the National Dialogue and accountability initiatives underscored the role of institutions in building lasting stability. At the same time, debates over Red Sea access, the GERD and regional security demonstrated that Ethiopia’s development trajectory is inseparable from the geopolitical environment surrounding it. The central challenge is to turn ambition into measurable outcomes: stronger institutions, productive investment, skilled human capital, improved livelihoods and constructive regional partnerships. Ethiopia’s ability to advance these priorities will depend on how effectively it mobilizes domestic capacity, attracts sustainable investment, manages national differences and engages with its neighbors. Ultimately, national development and African leadership are interconnected pursuits. A more productive and institutionally resilient Ethiopia can contribute more effectively to continental cooperation, while a more peaceful, integrated and economically confident Africa can create greater opportunities for Ethiopia’s own transformation.

Addis Ababa, October 25, 2026 (ENA)— Honorary members of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) have rallied behind Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign Red Sea access. Approached by ENA, members also called for peaceful diplomacy, dialogue with neighboring countries, and stronger national commitment to advance Ethiopia’s pursuit of Red Sea access. Biniyam Getachew and Afewerk Bedewi were among ten individuals awarded honorary Defense Forces membership in recognition of their contributions to supporting the defense force through social media and various media outlets, including international platforms.   Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, presented the honorary members with their recognition during celebrations marking the 119th anniversary of the FDRE Defense Forces Day. Biniyam and Afewerk stressed that Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations should be supported by public awareness and collective commitment. Biniyam Getachew, founder and president of the Ethiopian Global Youth Group, emphasized that Ethiopia should pursue Red Sea access through negotiations and constructive engagement with neighboring countries. “Ethiopia is a big nation, ranked among the world’s most populous countries. We need access to the Red Sea, but we need a peaceful way,” he said.   He called for dialogue with Eritrea, describing the peoples of the two neighboring countries as brothers and sisters whose relations should be built on mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation. “We should sit and talk through negotiations. We need peace through diplomacy, through a give-and-take approach,” Biniyam said. He reiterated that young people support Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access. “As a young generation, we need seaport access. With our neighbors, we need love and mutual respect. They are our brothers and sisters,” he said. Biniyam also highlighted the importance of raising awareness among young people about Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations and encouraging their constructive participation in discussions on the issue. Afewerk Bedewi, a political affairs analyst at the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, underscored the importance of national resolve, military discipline, and collective commitment in pursuing Ethiopia’s strategic interests.   He described military discipline as an important national asset and expressed confidence in the Ethiopian people’s ability to achieve their objectives through determination and sustained commitment. “I believe that the entire Ethiopian people have a military psychological makeup. I believe that Ethiopia is a people with military discipline. Therefore, becoming a member of the Ethiopian Defense Force, in any way, of any kind, under any circumstance, and at any time, is a correct decision that no one will regret,” he said. Afewerk said Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access required the determination and commitment of its people, adding that national aspirations could be achieved when citizens understood their objectives and worked collectively toward them. “The question of Ethiopia’s access to the sea can only be achieved through the decision of the Ethiopian people alone, and through commitment alone. I do not believe that there is anything the Ethiopian people would fail to attain if they desire it, have the commitment, and believe in it,” he said.   Afewerk urged young Ethiopians to develop a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of maritime access and the implications of the country’s landlocked status. “The youth must properly understand what sea access means and what the loss of sea access means,” he said. He also called on young people to familiarize themselves with the missions and responsibilities of the government and the defense force, emphasizing the importance of informed public engagement in advancing national objectives. Afewerk further stressed the need to understand Ethiopia’s geopolitical position within the Horn of Africa, East Africa, and the wider continent when considering the country’s maritime interests. He characterized Ethiopia’s loss of direct sea access as an injustice that occurred without the consent of its people, arguing that understanding the historical circumstances surrounding the loss would help inform discussions about possible ways forward.   “When we speak of being without sea access in this region, we lost it unjustly, through conspiracy, and without the consent of Ethiopians, we must pave our way out,” he said. He maintained that examining the historical circumstances surrounding Ethiopia’s loss of direct sea access was important to understanding the issue and determining how to address it. Both underscored the importance of public understanding and collective commitment in pursuing Ethiopia’s maritime interests, with diplomacy and dialogue remaining central to efforts to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring countries.

By Staff Writer October 25, 2026 (ENA) The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), marking 119 years of institutional development, represents a longstanding pillar of Ethiopia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security. From defending the country’s independence to participating in international peacekeeping operations and expanding domestic defense manufacturing, the institution has continued to evolve in response to changing national, regional and global security demands. Today, the ENDF is pursuing a transformation that extends beyond conventional military strength. Reforms in organizational structure, professional training, technological development and defense production are intended to strengthen its operational capabilities and reduce dependence on external suppliers. At the same time, its contributions to peace and security at national, regional and international levels remain important dimensions of its institutional responsibilities. The development of the force reflects the relationship between national defense, institutional resilience and technological capacity. Its future effectiveness will depend not only on the equipment it possesses, but also on the professionalism of its personnel, the strength of its institutions and its ability to contribute to lasting peace. Resilience Legacy Ethiopia’s military history is closely connected with its struggle to preserve independence and territorial integrity. Across successive generations, the country’s armed forces have defended national sovereignty while adapting to changing political circumstances, military doctrines and technological developments. The ENDF’s historical legacy includes the wider tradition of Ethiopian resistance to colonial aggression, notably the victory at Adwa in 1896, as well as the military experiences that shaped the country’s subsequent defense institutions. These historical milestones preceded the establishment of the modern army and helped shape the national consciousness surrounding sovereignty and independence. Over the decades, the armed forces have undergone changes in command structures, training systems, equipment and operational responsibilities. The contemporary ENDF is building on this historical experience while seeking to develop a more professional, technologically capable and institutionally resilient force. The reform agenda pursued in recent years places particular emphasis on organizational unity, operational readiness, specialized capabilities and modern military science. In July 2026, ENDF Chief of Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula said the force had strengthened its unity, expanded its organizational structure and continued modernizing its equipment and technology amid an increasingly complex security environment. These efforts, he said, were intended to reinforce its capacity to safeguard Ethiopia’s sovereignty. The significance of this transformation lies in its effort to connect historical experience with the requirements of contemporary national defense. A modern military must combine discipline and institutional continuity with scientific knowledge, technical expertise and the capacity to respond to rapidly changing security conditions. A Pillar of National Peace The ENDF’s principal constitutional responsibility is to defend Ethiopia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Its contribution to national peace also involves protecting the country against armed threats, responding to security emergencies and supporting conditions in which citizens can pursue their social and economic activities in safety. National peace, however, extends beyond military operations. Sustainable stability requires functioning institutions, political dialogue, reconciliation, respect for the law and public confidence. The defense force can contribute to these objectives by maintaining professionalism, observing constitutional responsibilities and protecting civilians in accordance with applicable law. The ENDF’s experience in complex security environments has reinforced the importance of coordination, intelligence, training and operational preparedness. Its ongoing institutional reforms seek to strengthen these capabilities while adapting to emerging threats. The force’s relationship with the public is equally important. National defense is most effective when the military operates as a professional institution serving the country and its people, rather than a particular political interest. Maintaining political neutrality, respecting civilian authority and upholding the rights of citizens are essential to sustaining public trust. The military’s role in national peace should therefore be assessed not only through its ability to confront armed threats, but also through its adherence to the law, protection of civilians and contribution to an environment conducive to reconciliation and development. In a country with diverse communities and complex social and political dynamics, lasting peace requires cooperation among security institutions, public authorities, communities and other stakeholders. The ENDF’s professional conduct and institutional accountability are important to this broader national effort. Regional Security Ethiopia occupies a strategically important position in the Horn of Africa, a region where security developments frequently cross-national borders. The ENDF’s contribution to regional peace includes cooperation with neighboring countries and participation in regional security mechanisms. Ethiopia has maintained an important role in the Eastern Africa Standby Force, an African regional arrangement designed to support peace operations and respond to crises. In May 2026, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to regional peace and security during discussions with the outgoing and incoming leadership of the Eastern Africa Standby Force. The meeting highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. Such cooperation demonstrates that national defense and regional stability are interconnected. Information sharing, military coordination, joint preparedness and professional exchanges can help countries respond more effectively to threats that no single state can address independently. The ENDF’s regional responsibilities must also be understood within the broader principle that durable security cannot be achieved through military measures alone. Diplomatic engagement, peaceful settlement of disputes, economic cooperation and respect for national sovereignty remain essential to preventing conflicts and strengthening relations among neighboring countries. A stable Horn of Africa would create greater opportunities for regional trade, infrastructure development, investment and economic integration. By contributing to legitimate regional security arrangements and supporting cooperative approaches to shared threats, Ethiopia’s defense institutions can help create conditions for these wider development objectives. International Peacekeeping One of the most visible expressions of Ethiopia’s contribution to international peace has been its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Ethiopian personnel have served in international missions for decades, reflecting the country’s longstanding engagement with multilateral efforts to maintain peace and protect communities affected by conflict. According to the United Nations, Ethiopia’s participation in UN-authorized operations dates back to 1951, when Ethiopian personnel served as part of the multinational force in the Korean War. Since then, Ethiopian military personnel have contributed to peace and security operations in different parts of the world. A prominent example is the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), established in 2011 to help stabilize the disputed Abyei area between Sudan and South Sudan. The mission monitors security arrangements, supports the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, and contributes to efforts to prevent renewed violence. The deployment of Ethiopian troops to Abyei followed an agreement reached by Sudanese and South Sudanese representatives in Addis Ababa. The mission illustrates how Ethiopian military personnel have supported internationally mandated security arrangements in a sensitive border region. Ethiopian personnel have also served in other United Nations missions, including operations in South Sudan. Their responsibilities have included supporting civilian protection, maintaining security in designated areas and helping create conditions for humanitarian activities and political processes. These experiences have given Ethiopian peacekeepers opportunities to work within multinational command structures, cooperate with personnel from different countries and apply international peacekeeping standards in demanding operational environments. International peacekeeping also strengthens professional experience. Service in multinational missions exposes military personnel to different approaches to logistics, communication, civilian protection and operational coordination. Lessons gained from these assignments can contribute to training and institutional development at home. The broader significance of Ethiopia’s peacekeeping record is that military capability can serve purposes beyond national defense. When deployed under an authorized mandate and in accordance with international law, disciplined military personnel can help protect vulnerable populations, support humanitarian access and contribute to efforts to restore stability. Defense Technology, Industrial Capacity Alongside its peace and security responsibilities, the ENDF is pursuing a transformation in military technology and domestic production. The objective is to strengthen the country’s ability to manufacture, maintain and sustain essential defense equipment while developing the technical expertise required for modern military operations. For a country with extensive security responsibilities, dependence on foreign suppliers can affect the availability, maintenance and long-term sustainability of military equipment. Developing domestic production capacity can help reduce these vulnerabilities, retain technical knowledge and build a stronger industrial foundation for national defense. Ethiopia’s defense industrial institutions provide important examples of this approach. The Homicho Ammunition Engineering Complex is associated with domestic ammunition production, while the wider defense industry has been working to strengthen capabilities in equipment manufacturing, engineering and maintenance. These facilities illustrate how defense production can bring together mechanical engineering, industrial processes, technical training and specialized manufacturing. Their strategic importance lies not simply in the products they manufacture, but also in the knowledge and skills developed through sustained industrial activity. Developing domestic expertise in this field can also expand opportunities for engineering research and technical education. Another significant step came in June 2026, when the Information Network Security Administration and the Ethiopian Air Force signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a drone technology center and strengthen research, laboratory cooperation and aerospace capabilities. The initiative is intended to support innovation and the development of local expertise in unmanned aerial systems. In August 2026, the ENDF and the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute also signed a cooperation agreement to explore the application of artificial intelligence in areas including logistics, military training, cybersecurity, military healthcare, air operations and electronic warfare. The agreement points to a broader shift in defense modernization. Military effectiveness increasingly depends on the ability to collect, process and use information, maintain secure communications and support rapid, informed decision-making. Artificial intelligence and related digital technologies could contribute to these objectives, although their operational benefits will depend on research, testing, qualified personnel and effective implementation. These initiatives demonstrate that Ethiopia’s defense transformation is not limited to acquiring modern equipment. It also involves building the scientific, industrial and educational capabilities required to develop and sustain advanced systems. Human Capital Dimension Technology alone cannot create an effective defense institution. Modern military systems require skilled operators, engineers, technicians, researchers, maintenance specialists and commanders capable of applying scientific knowledge to operational requirements. For this reason, investment in military education and professional development is central to the ENDF’s modernization. Military academies, specialized training institutions and cooperation with civilian research organizations can help develop the expertise needed to operate sophisticated equipment and maintain complex systems. The partnership between the ENDF, the Ethiopian Air Force, the Information Network Security Administration and the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute illustrates the potential value of cooperation between defense institutions and the wider scientific community. Such partnerships can strengthen research capacity, encourage the exchange of technical knowledge and support the development of locally relevant solutions. They can also help cultivate a generation of Ethiopian engineers and researchers whose expertise may contribute to defense manufacturing and other technology-intensive sectors. Domestic defense production can generate benefits beyond the military when it develops transferable industrial skills, strengthens engineering capacity and encourages research and innovation. The long-term objective is to build a system in which training, research, manufacturing and operational requirements reinforce one another. This would enable Ethiopia to develop more of the expertise necessary to maintain its defense capabilities while creating a stronger foundation for technological advancement. Self-Reliance The ENDF’s industrial and technological transformation forms part of Ethiopia’s wider pursuit of productive capacity and economic self-reliance. Similar priorities are evident in the country’s efforts to expand agricultural production, develop mineral resources, strengthen manufacturing and invest in scientific knowledge. Defense production has a distinct purpose because it is directly connected to national security. Nevertheless, it can contribute to broader industrial development by encouraging specialized engineering, technical training and domestic manufacturing. The development of ammunition production, engineering facilities and drone research demonstrates the range of capabilities required to build a more self-reliant defense sector. These initiatives can help strengthen maintenance capacity, improve the availability of selected equipment and create opportunities for domestic technical expertise. It is important, however, to distinguish progress in selected areas from complete self-sufficiency. Modern military systems depend on extensive supply chains involving specialized components, software, materials and technical knowledge. Building sustainable domestic capacity is therefore a continuing process that requires investment, research, reliable production standards and international technical cooperation where necessary. The strongest measure of progress is not the number of factories established or the equipment acquired, but the ability to produce reliable systems, maintain them over time, develop skilled personnel and meet clearly identified national defense requirements. A more capable domestic defense industry can strengthen strategic autonomy by giving Ethiopia greater control over parts of its supply chains. It can also improve the country’s capacity to respond to changing security requirements without relying exclusively on external procurement. The Road Ahead As the ENDF marks 119 years of institutional development, its future will be shaped by its ability to combine historical experience with professional standards, technological innovation and a commitment to peace. Its responsibilities remain broad: protecting national sovereignty, contributing to domestic security within the law, supporting regional stability and participating in international peacekeeping. Meeting these responsibilities requires an institution that is well trained, technically capable, disciplined and accountable. The development of domestic defense industries, drone technology and artificial intelligence cooperation indicates a growing emphasis on technological preparedness. Sustaining these efforts will require stronger research institutions, skilled human resources, effective industrial management and continued adaptation to changing military technologies. Equally important is the relationship between security and peace. Military readiness can deter threats and help protect communities, but lasting stability also depends on dialogue, diplomacy, reconciliation and cooperation among nations and communities. The ENDF’s long-term contribution will be strengthened when professional defense capabilities complement these wider efforts. The force’s 119-year institutional journey thus represents both a historical legacy and a continuing responsibility. Its achievements in national defense, regional cooperation, international peacekeeping and technological development provide a foundation on which further progress can be built. Ultimately, the strength of the Ethiopian National Defense Force will be measured not only by its capacity to defend the country, but also by its professionalism, its contribution to a secure regional environment and its ability to adapt responsibly to the demands of modern defense. By combining institutional resilience with technological advancement and a sustained commitment to peace, the ENDF can continue to serve as an important pillar of Ethiopia’s sovereignty and national development.

Addis Ababa, October 25, 2026 (ENA) — Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, has reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding its legitimate interests in the Abay River and the Red Sea. The Field Marshal described both these strategic resources as vital to the country’s long-term development and the well-being of future generations. Speaking at a ceremony marking the 119th anniversary of the ENDF, Field Marshal Birhanu stressed that Ethiopia must secure fair benefits from these strategic resources to sustain its prosperity and ensure future generations can benefit from the country’s natural assets.   He further elaborated that the Abay River as a natural resource bestowed upon Ethiopia and characterized the Red Sea as a vital resource whose benefits should serve the Ethiopian people. He emphasized that the government and the ENDF share a responsibility to safeguard the country’s national interests in both strategic water bodies. The Chief of Staff warned against what he described as attempts by a “greedy faction” to monopolize shared resources, stressing that Ethiopia would resist efforts to deny its legitimate and equitable share of the benefits. He also criticized individuals whom he accused of being misled into betraying the country’s interests and aligning themselves with foreign forces, reiterating that Ethiopia would remain firm in defending its national interests. Describing the ENDF as a central pillar of the state, Field Marshal Birhanu said the force’s primary responsibility is to protect Ethiopia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity.   He added that the military had consistently confronted external adversaries and domestic threats in carrying out its national security mandate. While underscoring Ethiopia’s commitment to peaceful relations, brotherhood, and good-neighborliness with other countries, the Chief of Staff said the country would remain resolute in defending its legitimate interests. He stressed that Ethiopia’s pursuit of peace and cooperation with neighboring countries would not diminish its determination to protect its national interests and ensure that its resources contribute to the prosperity of present and future generations. The annual occasion celebrates the history, traditions, and service of the Ethiopian military, reaffirming the ENDF’s role in defending the nation. Field Marshal Birhanu underscored the strategic importance of the Abay River, stressing that Ethiopia must protect its interests in a resource he revealed that it is fundamental to the country’s future. Turning to the Red Sea, he said the waterway was a strategic concern for Ethiopia.   The Chief of Staff also emphasized the country’s determination to safeguard its interests in a region of critical importance to its future. Field Marshal Birhanu maintained that Ethiopia’s relations with neighboring countries should be based on brotherhood and good-neighborly cooperation, without requiring the country to relinquish interests it considers essential. He also dismissed efforts by other actors to monopolize the benefits of strategic resources and waterways. Birhanu further asserted that Ethiopia stands firm in protecting its interests.

Addis Ababa, October 25, 2026 (ENA) — The 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa concluded in Bahir Dar with current and former African leaders calling for accelerated regional integration, technological sovereignty and concrete action to address the continent’s peace and security challenges. The three-day gathering brought together African leaders and experts to discuss pressing security concerns, with participants emphasizing the need to address the underlying causes of instability and strengthen Africa’s capacity to determine its own future.   Delivering the closing address, Tana Forum Board Chairperson and President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, commended the outcomes of the forum and urged African leaders to translate dialogue into tangible results. “It’s a good thing to talk, it’s a good thing to dialogue, but it is better to act. We need to move from dialogue to action,” Mahama said. He identified the presentation of the State of Peace and Security in Africa Report as a major milestone of the forum, describing it as an important resource for assessing conflicts across the continent and developing practical responses to emerging and persistent security challenges.   The Chairperson stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military deployments or standby forces alone. Instead, he called for deeper economic integration, stronger regional solidarity, expanded cross-border trade and a coordinated diplomatic approach to address the structural causes of conflict. He also underscored the importance of tackling social marginalization and building inclusive societies that create opportunities for young people, women and persons with disabilities. On governance, Mahama urged African leaders to exercise political authority in ways that improve citizens’ lives, emphasizing that leadership should be measured by its contribution to public welfare rather than the possession of power itself. He further called for stronger continental unity and closer cooperation with countries of the Global South to address shared challenges and advance Africa’s interests in international affairs. Reaffirming Tana Forum’s role as a leading platform for high-level dialogue on African peace and security, Mahama thanked the Tana Secretariat, organizers, partners and sponsors for their contributions to the event.   He also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Ethiopian government for hosting the forum and extending hospitality to participants. Concluding his remarks, Mahama challenged African leaders and other participants to demonstrate measurable progress when they return to Bahir Dar for the next edition of the forum. “Let us return to Bahir Dar next year and say that the tide is turning for Africa, that our conflicts are ending, and opportunities are being created for all our people,” he said.