Chief of Staff attributes popular base to peacekeeping success

Addis Ababa, May 24 (WIC) – The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) Chief of Staff General Samora Yenus said the main reasons behind the success of the Ethiopian peacekeeping operations are its strong popular base and right mission orientation.    

In an interview with held with EPA in connection with May 28 celebration, which marks the downfall of the Derg regime, General Samora said the ENDF has gained international recognition in its peacekeeping missions.

In areas where the Defence Force deployed, it has undertaken a successful peacekeeping mission with the principle of neutrality, he said citing the successful missions in Darfur and Abiye region of Sudan.

ENDF is composed of all nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia, which according to the General allowed the public to have an equal opportunity to enjoy all its services.
Ethiopia's foreign policy promotes peace and cooperation with neighboring countries and whenever our neighbors call us for help, we respond in a brotherly manner.

Following the requests from the TFG of Somalia, AU and IGAD, Ethiopian troops have been deployed in Somalia for the purpose of peace and stability and to support AMISOM troops, he said.

In this regard, the operation has been successful as it managed to get rid of Al-Shebaab at least from 1/4th of Somalia including big cities, he added.

General Samora further said various educational and training programs are being given to members of the Defence Force to equip them with academic, technical and military skills.

According to General Samora, the Ethiopian National Defense Force has about 14 military colleges, where it provides capacity building training to its members.

Over 80 per cent of members of the defense force have now reached higher secondary level of education as compared to about 2 per cent in the past.

Moreover, thousands of members of the defense force have now diploma, bachelor and masters degrees.

He said the engineering college in particular has been playing a key role in providing technical support for the Defence Force and the metal industry on the other hand.