In a powerful call to action, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stressed the importance of building a robust police force tailored for the East African region.
His remarks were made during the opening ceremony of the 5th East African Police Chiefs Association Sports Competition at Shambel Abebe Bikila Stadium, coinciding with the 116th anniversary of the Ethiopian Federal Police.
"Ethiopia stands as a testament to the thousands of years of African civilization and independence," Temesgen said, emphasizing the deep-rooted history and resilience of the nation.
Established in 1901, the Ethiopian Police holds a crucial place in this narrative, symbolizing the country's commitment to law enforcement.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the shared history, language, and culture among the peoples of East Africa.
He noted that Ethiopia has not only served as a bastion of support for African nations during challenging times but has also forged collaborative efforts to train police forces and strengthen police institutions across the region.
“Peace, development, and prosperity in Africa are impossible without strong police institutions,” Temesgen declared, underlining the need for a well-prepared police force equipped with modern skills and technologies.
He pointed out that the East African region, strategically positioned between Asia and Africa, necessitates a strong police presence to facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods while ensuring security.
According to the DPM, to achieve this, cooperation among the countries is essential.
“Strengthening regional partnerships, including the East African Police Chiefs' Union, is crucial,” he added.
Temesgen revealed that Ethiopia is refining its police structure, enhancing training programs, and adopting new technologies to improve efficiency.
Over the past seven years, reforms in Ethiopia’s security institutions have made the police more modern, ready to respond to challenges, and effective in their duties, he stated.
He encouraged a collaborative approach, saying, “The dream of better police institutions can be achieved by sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences across the region.”
The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed pride in the Ethiopian Police's contributions to sports, highlighting how Ethiopian athletes have gained recognition on the world stage.
He expressed optimism that the sports competition among East African police forces would bolster regional unity and foster camaraderie among nations.
In a world where safety and security are paramount, Tiruneh's vision offers a hopeful path toward strengthening law enforcement across East Africa, ultimately benefiting the entire region.