Addis Ababa, October 25, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia is commemorating the 119th Defense Forces Day under the theme “Army of Victory” at the Armed Forces General Headquarters, honoring the history, traditions, and sacrifices of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).
The ceremony brought together Chief of General Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Defense Minister Mohammed Idris, and other senior government officials.
Federal Police leaders and members, military attachés, diplomats representing various countries, and invited guests from different segments of society also attended the celebration, reflecting the national significance of the occasion.
Defense Forces Day is observed annually to commemorate the establishment of Ethiopia’s modern defense forces, traced to Tikimt 15, 1900, in the Ethiopian calendar. The date marks the appointment of the country’s first Minister of War, a milestone in the development of an organized national military institution.
The occasion pays tribute to military personnel who sacrificed their lives to defend Ethiopia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also recognizes generations of servicemen and women who have served the country.
The annual commemoration seeks to preserve the ENDF’s history, heroism, and institutional traditions while passing its legacy of service and sacrifice on to future generations.
This year’s theme, “Army of Victory,” underscores the defense forces’ enduring responsibility to safeguard national sovereignty and honors the achievements and sacrifices of those who have served Ethiopia.