Premier says protecting Ethiopia’s national interests is an enduring duty

Addis Ababa, May 4, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) emphasized that safeguarding Ethiopia’s unity and national interests with the same sense of patriotism demonstrated by past generations remains an enduring duty.

Speaking at the 116th Ethiopian Police Day closing ceremony, held today at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa and attended by senior government officials and invited guests, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the occasion. He noted that 116 years of service by the police force is no simple milestone, but rather a testament to their dedication, while also stressing the continued need for reform and capacity building to keep up with the evolving global context.

In his address, Abiy acknowledged the progress made in Ethiopia’s peace and security institutions over recent years but emphasized that these reforms must continue to evolve in response to current global challenges. He urged security institutions to remain proactive, warning that success in the past should not distract from the need for ongoing development.

“What is expected from you is to work in cooperation with our brotherly neighboring peoples to ensure the peace and unity of Ethiopia in line with our national interests. However, if challenges go beyond that, it must always be our duty to protect Ethiopia’s interests and uphold our proud patriotic history,” the premier reminded the members of the police force who attended the grand event at the heart of the Ethiopian capital.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the crucial role of the police force in ensuring Ethiopia’s national interests, peace, and unity. He underscored that unity is essential to safeguarding Ethiopia’s territorial integrity and prosperity, asserting that any attempts to divide the country must be countered. He stressed that maintaining peace within Ethiopia and working cooperatively with neighboring countries remains a key priority.

Abiy concluded his remarks by reinforcing the importance of protecting the nation’s interests with the same patriotism shown by previous generations. He also warned that adversarial forces seeking to undermine Ethiopia’s peace and unity would be decisively confronted.