Ethiopian Peacekeeping Force Continues Fulfilling Mission Impressively: Brigadier General Habtamu

Addis Ababa February 16/2019 Good work integration, problem solving capacity and safeguarding civilian are still the characteristic of the Ethiopian peacekeeping force that has been successful in its mission, according to Peace Support Training Center (PSTC).

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ethiopian PSTC Head Brigadier General Habtamu Tilahun said the mission has been playing a great role in building the image of the country as it is well trained and accepted mission force.

The mission has been participating widely in international peacekeeping missions working in line with the international peacekeeping mission principles.

According to the head, the capacity of the national defense forces has also added to the attainment of the mission.

As “the force is ‘public force’ in its character, it works to protect civilians from facing danger. Whatsoever is the case, the force will be the first to protect and sacrifice itself. This is what creates love among the people,” Brigadier General Habtamu Tilahun stated.

The participation of Ethiopia’s peacekeeping mission dates back to 1951, as part of the UN multinational force in the Korean War.

Ethiopia also deployed a battalion to the UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR 2). Since then the country has deployed its personnel in eight UN peacekeeping operations.

 “Expanding our mission participation is one of our achievements, because Ethiopia wouldn’t have been invited to peacekeeping missions first and foremost,” the head noted.

Outside of the UN, Ethiopia’s major significant deployment has been the deployment to Somalia, where it maintained troops supporting the Somali Government and AMISOM forces.

Ethiopia has about 4,400 uniformed personnel serving in AMISOM and it is also the largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping with over 8,300 uniformed personnel.