African Military Officials Laud Ethiopia’s Commitment to Continent’s Peace, Stability

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2024 (FBC) – High ranking military officials, who attended the First African Defense Ministers Conference in Addis Ababa hailed Ethiopia for its commitment to support Africa tackle its challenges by fostering peace and stability of the continent.

Ethiopia hosted the Firsts African Defense Ministers Conference that attracted Defense Ministers, high ranking military officials are researchers from across the continent.

The participants of the conference visited the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), the Artificial Intelligence Institute, the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission, and the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).

Major General Henry Masiko, Chief Political Commissar, at Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces stated that Ethiopia is a country of which Africa is proud. Not only is it the seat of the African Union, but it is also one of the few countries that resisted colonialism.

We are delighted by the initiatives aimed at uniting Africa to tackle its challenges, especially in protecting the continent’s sovereignty and fostering peace and stability.

He also impressed by Ethiopia’s open-door policy during this event, which facilitated the exchange of experiences in technology and defense capabilities, as reported by local news agency ENA.

Ethiopia is open to cooperation, he said, adding that Uganda already has very strategic linkages with Ethiopia.

“My impression of these security institutions is really very motivating. We were very impressed first with the cyber technology. We’ve seen with the capabilities of the Ethiopian Federal Police. Now here we are also sharing the growth of the national intelligence and security system. We are impressed with the open sharing of the growth and the reforms which are occurring, quite impressed and shows brotherly African relationship.”

Major General Ndegeya Diomede, Senior Advisor of the Burundian Ministry of Defense for his part, emphasized that Ethiopia’s role in fostering strength and peace in Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa is crucial.

Ndegeya, who is also former AMISOM and ATMIS Force Commander said Ethiopia is more developed than other forces and must take the lead, noting that it is essential for Ethiopia to continue assisting countries in East Africa such as Sudan and Somalia, in their pursuit of peace.

“First of all may I congratulate Ethiopia for what they are doing.They are now very much advanced in the artificial intelligence which certainly may benefit other African nations. We as African, within African solidarity we are ready to get to you and ask you to help us, to go forward in advancing artificial intelligence. I was very impressed by what you are doing in medicine, in agriculture and in other domains.”

Brigadier Paul Njema, Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), stated that Ethiopia has been playing a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability in the East Africa region, including Somalia.

He emphasized that Ethiopia continues to play a significant role, undertaking a mission that has involved substantial sacrifices to maintain peace and security in the region.

“Today understanding one of our member states has really advanced in the area of artificial intelligence, this is very important; we have noted some areas that can be shared, especially in telemedicine and agriculture, because we are agricultural region. This will allow a way to improving food security in the region.”

Zambian Defense Minister Ambrose Lufuma appreciated Ethiopia for organizing the conference and noted his admiration for the advancements in cyber security.

“What I’ve learned is basically that Ethiopia is quite advanced in cyber security system. You have developed own systems to protect your cyber space. And I think that is commendable. And what is important is that as Africans, we should be able to develop cyber security systems that protect us, because obviously other cyber security systems surveillance on us.”

What Ethiopia is doing is this institution, I think it’s a step forward, and it is direction most African countries should take.

The three-day African Defense Ministers’ Conference concluded on Thursday.