Ethiopia Army Chief Reaffirms Red Sea, Abay River Interests at 119th Defense Forces Day

October 26, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

Ethiopia’s military chief has reaffirmed the country’s determination to safeguard its interests in the Red Sea and the Abay River, linking the two strategic waterways to national development and the interests of future generations.

Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, chief of staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), made the remarks on October 25 during celebrations marking the force’s 119th anniversary at the Armed Forces General Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

“The Abay River is a natural resource bestowed upon Ethiopia,” Birhanu said, according to the state-run Ethiopian News Agency. He described the Red Sea as a strategic concern whose benefits should serve the Ethiopian people.

The military chief said Ethiopia would pursue peaceful relations and cooperation with neighbouring countries while defending what the government considers its legitimate national interests in the two waterways.

His remarks came a day after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described access to the sea as an existential issue for Ethiopia, citing the country’s population, security and long-term development needs. Abiy said the government would continue to pursue maritime access through dialogue and mutual benefit.

The anniversary, held under the theme “Army of Victory”, also brought renewed attention to Ethiopia’s internal security challenges. Birhanu rejected attempts to establish a transitional government through armed struggle, arguing that those seeking political power should pursue peaceful political competition instead.

He also alleged that external actors were supporting armed groups operating against the federal government. Those allegations were reported by Ethiopian media and have not been independently verified in this report.

Defence Minister Mohammed Idris, who attended the ceremony alongside senior military officials, former military leaders, foreign military attachés and diplomats, praised the ENDF’s role in protecting the country’s borders and maintaining public security.

Mohammed also said the military had contributed to regional peace and security, describing it as an institution responsible for defending national sovereignty amid changing geopolitical conditions.

The annual commemoration traces the origins of Ethiopia’s modern organised defence forces to Tikimt 15, 1900, in the Ethiopian calendar, when the country appointed its first minister of war. It honours military personnel who have served and died in defence of the country.

The ceremony also recognised 10 honorary members for their contributions to supporting the ENDF through social media and other media platforms, according to ENA.

Ethiopia’s pursuit of Red Sea access has become a prominent issue in its regional policy, alongside its longstanding interest in the Abay River, which flows into Sudan and Egypt and is a major source of water for the Nile system. The government has said it seeks arrangements based on dialogue and mutual benefit, although its maritime ambitions remain a sensitive issue in relations with neighbouring countries.

Source: FSX Business News