Army Day Celebrations and Statements on Red Sea Access

The Ethiopian National Defense Force celebrated its 119th Army Day with a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials, including Field Marshal Berhanu Jula. During the event, the Chief of General Staff emphasized Ethiopia's rightful claim to Red Sea access, stating that the government will pursue Ethiopia's interests in both the Nile and the Red Sea. He noted that these resources are sufficient for the region, but warned against external forces and internal actors acting against national interests.

Furthermore, Field Marshal Jula addressed the conflict involving the TPLF, stating that the group has opened and lost four major wars in the past eight years. He confirmed that the National Defense Force has successfully repelled attacks on several fronts, including in Northern Wollo and Afar, and that the military is now a reliable force for regional security. He urged opposition groups to engage in peaceful political competition rather than attempting to seize power through unconstitutional means, dismissing the idea of a transition government built on the destruction of the military.