Speaking at the commemoration of the 116th National Army Day at Meskel Square today, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia will continue contributing peacekeepers around the world as part of its international responsibilities.
The Prime Minister praised the Ethiopian National Defense Force’s long history of sacrifice and service in conflict zones ranging from Korea to Darfur.
He also praised the noble sacrifices of the Ethiopian National Defense Force in the cause of global peace.
“Our defense forces are symbols of peace wherever they go,” the premier pointed out.
Ethiopia is among the top contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping missions. The country has demonstrated steadfast dedication to promoting stability and security across Africa and beyond for over 70 years.
“The main purpose of defense is to maintain peace,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Ethiopian army has sacrificed life and limb to protect the peace of all peoples, from Korea to Somalia, regardless of the changing tides of politics.”
Ethiopian peacekeepers build schools, health clinics and infrastructure wherever deployed across Africa. “They are symbols of unity and harbingers of peace,” the Prime Minister noted.
Extolling the troops to modernize and read voraciously, the Prime Minister called on them to always be ready to serve, not just Ethiopia, but the continent and the world while in need.
Ethiopia’s contributions to peacekeeping go back over 70 years. Ethiopian soldiers fought alongside UN forces in the Korean War in 1951. Ethiopian troops also helped restore stability in the Congo in 1960.
According to UN, today, Ethiopia is the top contributor of peacekeeping forces globally, with over 8,300 personnel deployed in hotspots like Darfur, Abyei and South Sudan.
It is worth mentioning that once the UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix said “Ethiopia is one of UN peacekeeping’s strongest partners.”
Truly, Ethiopia has been a beacon of peacekeeping across the world’s conflict zones. Its long tradition of sacrifice and service in the cause of peace will inspire generations to come.
ENA
- President Taye champions Africa’s dev’t and regional transformation with GERD at UNGA 80In a comprehensive address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Taye Atske-Selassie of Ethiopia underscored… Read more: President Taye champions Africa’s dev’t and regional transformation with GERD at UNGA 80
- Two African countries refuse to recognise Palestine. Here’s whyAt the United Nations General Assembly this week, one country after another rose to declare its recognition of a Palestinian state. Britain, Canada,… Read more: Two African countries refuse to recognise Palestine. Here’s why
- UN Chief Stresses Need for Countries to Adopt Climate-smart Food Policies to Reduce Reliance on Food ImportsUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need for countries to adopt climate-smart food policies and enhance private sector participation to reduce reliance on… Read more: UN Chief Stresses Need for Countries to Adopt Climate-smart Food Policies to Reduce Reliance on Food Imports
- Puntland Intercepts Cargo Ship Carrying Weapons To MogadishuByMI News Network Authorities in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region have intercepted a cargo vessel which was carrying a massive consignment of military vehicles… Read more: Puntland Intercepts Cargo Ship Carrying Weapons To Mogadishu
- Burkina Faso ruling junta dissolves independent electoral commissionThe Burkinabe government adopted a bill on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers to dissolve the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). According to… Read more: Burkina Faso ruling junta dissolves independent electoral commission
