ENDF Implements Reforms Amid Challenging Security Landscape: Field Marshal Birhanu

Addis ababa: The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) has been carrying out organizational reforms and modernization efforts in response to an increasingly complex regional and global security environment, according to ENDF Chief of Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Ethiopian National Defense College (ENDC) recently celebrated the graduation of students who completed their studies in Defense and Strategic Security Studies. During the ceremony, Field Marshal Birhanu highlighted that the ENDF has strengthened its unity and expanded its organizational structure through ongoing reforms. The force has maintained a high state of readiness while equipping itself with modern military equipment and technology, which has enabled it to continue fulfilling its mission of safeguarding Ethiopia's sovereignty.Field Marshal Birhanu also emphasized the importance of maritime access for Ethiopia, noting that the security situation in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa is deteriorating. As a result, the ENDF faces both challenges and opportunities in the region. He pointed out that external actors and domestic armed groups are working together to undermine Ethiopia's security, attempting to prevent the country from playing its stabilizing role in the region by creating turmoil in neighboring countries.The Field Marshal identified historical enemies and internal renegades as conspirators trying to thwart Ethiopia's maritime sovereignty claim and regional cooperation efforts. He referred to their alliance as "Tsimdo" and reaffirmed that the Ethiopian Defense Force is protecting the country's sovereignty, peace, and security by countering these threats.Addressing the new graduates, Field Marshal Birhanu spoke about the rapidly changing nature of warfare, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, cyber operations, electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and long-range precision weapons. He encouraged the graduates to apply their education to enhance the armed forces' preparedness and leadership capacity.Brigadier General Tilahun Demissie, the National Defense College Commandant, noted that the ENDC was established during the national reform and has been focused on strengthening national power within a volatile strategic environment. He explained that the college's curriculum reform emphasized defense studies, research, and security analysis, alongside efforts to transform the institution into a smart college through infrastructure upgrades and digitalization.