Ethiopian Defense Force Effectively Thwarting Plans of Destructive Forces: Field Marshal

Addis Ababa, July 25, 2026 (ENA) —The defense force is effectively carrying out its mission by thwarting the plans of destructive forces that seek to undermine Ethiopia's progress, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) said today.

The Ethiopian National Defense Force graduated the 71st Metemma Course officer cadets trained at the Ethiopian Military Academy.

Speaking at the ceremony, Field Marshal Berhanu said Ethiopia has long been facing various challenges due to its strategic geopolitical location in the Horn of Africa and its natural resources.

Recalling the historic role Ethiopian patriots played in safeguarding the country's sovereignty, he pointed out that there are still forces attempting to threaten the nation's peace and security.

 

The Field Marshal added that destructive forces that attempt to sabotage Ethiopia's journey toward development and prosperity have continued to engage in conspiracies and subversive activities aimed at hindering the country's progress.

He revealed that the Ethiopian National Defense Force, guided by the values of patriotism, national service, and dedication to the people, is successfully neutralizing such attempts to weaken the country.

Ethiopia has, throughout its history, demonstrated a collective capacity to overcome national challenges and emerge victorious, Field Marshal Berhanu emphasized.

However, he stressed that this collective strength alone is no longer sufficient to address today's evolving security challenges.

Strengthening the country's capabilities through human resource development, education, and adoption of modern technologies is essential, he noted.

To this end, the Defense Force has intensified its training and capacity-building mission by expanding military training institutions and investing in human capital development.

 

As a result, the Field Marshal noted that the professional competence of the defense force, its use of modern technologies, and its operational effectiveness have continued to improve and modernize.

Present at the graduation ceremony were Defense Education and Training Main Directorate Head, General Yimer Mekonnen, Commandant of the Ethiopian Military Academy, Brigadier General Getachew Habtamu, generals, and military attachés of various countries.