Ethiopian Defense Force 119th Anniversary and Red Sea Access Discourse

The Ethiopian National Defense Force celebrated its 119th anniversary in Addis Ababa under the theme "Army of Victory." During the event, Chief of Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula emphasized Ethiopia's rightful claim to Red Sea access, describing it as a natural resource for the country. He reaffirmed that the Ethiopian government and military are committed to securing national interests in both the Nile and the Red Sea while expressing a desire for peaceful coexistence and good neighborliness.

Furthermore, Field Marshal Birhanu stated that the TPLF has suffered total defeat in the four wars it launched over the past eight years. He declared the defense force to be the reliable power in the region, having defeated both domestic and foreign adversaries. He dismissed any attempts to dismantle the military to form a transitional government as futile, urging political groups to pursue power through peaceful, competitive means instead of relying on insurgent tactics.