The Ethiopian Military Academy graduated its 70th cohort of officer candidates after three years of training under a degree program.
Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, addressed the graduates at the ceremony, commending their dedication and perseverance in overcoming the challenges of their training.
He highlighted the promising national development underway, aimed at safeguarding Ethiopia's national interests and aligning the country with developed nations. However, he warned of persistent anti-peace forces, both internal and external, working to undermine this progress. He urged the graduating officers to use their leadership skills and competence to counter these destructive forces and thwart their ambitions.
Field Marshal Jula emphasized that the army is free from any political affiliation, ethnicity, or religious bias, serving as a loyal force of the people. He advised the newly commissioned officers to view their current rank as a steppingstone to future leadership, encouraging them to continuously improve themselves and prepare mentally for the challenges of leadership.
Awards gold, silver, and bronze medals were presented to top-performing graduates by the Chief of Staff, according to information from the Ministry of Defence's social media page.