The over month-long celebrations of the 7th Ethiopian Defense Force Day concluded with an event held in Adama city, Oromia regional state, today.
Senior federal and regional governments’ officials, including Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, who is also Commander In Chief of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, attended the event.
Present at the event were also Chief of Staff from IGAD Member States, such as Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi and Rwanda.
Prime Minister Dr Abiy said our defense force had always emerged victories at all the challenges that threatened the sovereignty of the country at various times in the past.
The defense force deserves respect as it has been fulfilling its mission in all fronts, including in the peace mission in the neighboring countries, such as Somalia and Sudan, he said.
He also highlighted key reforms that have been taking place within the military to address issues of transparency and other gaps, noting the results thus far have been remarkable.
However, he said, modernizing the defense sector is not a one time job and it needs time.
Chief of Staff of the Defense Force, Gen. Seare Mekonnen said the defense force is now at a promising position to fulfill its main goal of safeguarding the constitutional order and sovereignty of the nation.
He further said members of the defense force defused violence occurred in some parts of the country following the nationwide reform.
Structural reform and reshuffling of leadership were undertaken at all levels within the military, he added.