Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed today held discussion with heads of the National Defense Force of Ethiopia at his office, where he briefed them on national and current affairs.
Defense forces have an irreplaceable role in the efforts being made to ensure “our national interests and sovereignty,” he said, adding “they must also protect the Constitution and work for the benefits of the people.”
“Our national capacity will be evidenced when we are able to achieve our goals of peace, development and democracy as well as guarantee the dignity of our people and sovereignty of the country,” he said.
Taking into account current fast changing world, socio-economic and political situation in Ethiopia as well as demand of the people, the defense forces need to undergo reforms, the Premier indicated.
Recalling the recent political instability that plunged the country into difficult situations, the Premier said “we managed to turn the challenges into opportunities, revive hopes of the people and create fertile ground for peace by carrying out immediate national reforms,” he added.
According to the Prime Minister, the reform in the defense force should focus on improving professionalism of the army. He also commended the professionalism displayed by the army during the recent power transition.
“Following the efforts made to build capacity of our national defense, we built one of the strongest ground and air force in Africa,” he said, adding “we should build our naval force capacity in the future.” (Source – FBC)
