Addis Ababa, October 17, 2026 (FMC) — International military attachés have commended the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) for its efforts to protect civilian lives during military operations, with representatives of Bangladesh and Tanzania specifically recognizing its focus on legitimate military targets and the reduction of collateral damage.
Bangladesh Defence Attaché Brigadier General G. M. Shariful Islam said Ethiopia had the legitimate right to defend its sovereignty against foreign aggression and internal conflict, while emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and observing international law.
“Ethiopia has the legitimate right to protect their sovereignty from any kind of foreign aggression or maybe from any kind of internal conflict,” he said.
Shariful Islam said the ENDF was making efforts to protect civilian lives, reduce collateral damage and target legitimate military objectives. He also expressed solidarity with the Ethiopian government and armed forces, provided that human rights and applicable laws were respected.
Tanzania Defence Attaché Brigadier General Ian Alphonse Haure similarly commended the ENDF’s efforts to protect civilians while directing its operations against armed groups responsible for insecurity.
Haure said the briefing had addressed his questions about the activities of the TPLF and other armed groups, adding that the information provided had reassured him about the security situation in Ethiopia.
Kenya Defence Attaché Brigadier General Roba Bonaya Wario underscored the ENDF’s constitutional mandate to protect Ethiopia’s security, stability and sovereignty. He said the briefing indicated that the military was acting within applicable laws.
Wario also emphasized the direct security implications for Kenya, which shares a border with Ethiopia, expressing optimism that stability would return and the country would prosper.
Australian Defence Attaché Colonel Karen Such, Vice Dean of the Military Attaché Association, voiced respect for the ENDF’s efforts to protect Ethiopia’s sovereignty.
“I really respect ENDF’s efforts to protect the sovereignty of Ethiopia,” she said, stressing that countries should respect one another’s borders and sovereignty and live in peace and harmony.
Gabon Defence Attaché Colonel Aristide Anguilet said protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as ensuring the security of citizens and foreign nationals, was an essential responsibility of the military. He expressed support for Ethiopia’s efforts and encouraged continued briefings for the international diplomatic and military community.
South Sudan Deputy Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Poul Chamu commended Ethiopia’s efforts to promote peace and assist communities affected by the conflict. He called on the international community to support peace efforts and engage with both sides to help end the fighting.
“If there is a war in Ethiopia, it means that there is no peace in South Sudan. If there is peace in Ethiopia, the peace will come in South Sudan also,” Chamu said, highlighting the close connection between peace in Ethiopia and stability in its neighbouring country.
The attachés’ remarks underscore the importance of civilian protection, respect for international law and the defence of national sovereignty as Ethiopia addresses its security challenges. Their assessments also point to the regional stakes involved, as instability in Ethiopia can have consequences beyond its borders.