Ethiopia Has the Right to Defend Its Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity – Foreign Military Attachés

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2026 (FMC) — International military attachés have affirmed Ethiopia’s sovereign right to defend its territorial integrity, protect its citizens and safeguard national security, expressing support for the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) and its efforts to restore peace and stability.

The attachés made the remarks following a briefing at Bishoftu Air Force Base on the country’s security situation, military operations and weapons seized during the operations, offering assessments that emphasized Ethiopia’s right to protect its sovereignty while respecting international law and civilian rights.

Bangladesh Defence Attaché Brigadier General G. M. Shariful Islam said Ethiopia had the legitimate right to defend itself against foreign aggression and internal conflict.

“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 also commended the ENDF’s efforts to protect civilian lives, reduce collateral damage and target legitimate military objectives. He said he stood in solidarity with the Ethiopian government and armed forces as they worked to protect the country, while underscoring the importance of respecting human rights and applicable laws.

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 all countries should respect one another’s borders and sovereignty and live in peace and harmony.

Kenya Defence Attaché Brigadier General Roba Bonaya Wario recognized the ENDF’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard Ethiopia’s security, stability and sovereignty. He said the briefing indicated that the military was operating within applicable laws.

Wario also emphasized that Ethiopia’s security situation directly affects Kenya because the two countries share a border. He expressed optimism that stability would return and Ethiopia would prosper.

Tanzania Defence Attaché Brigadier General Ian Alphonse Haure praised the ENDF’s efforts to protect civilian lives and direct operations against armed groups responsible for insecurity. He said the briefing had addressed his concerns about the activities of the TPLF and other armed groups and had reassured him about the security situation in Ethiopia.

Gabon Defence Attaché Colonel Aristide Anguilet expressed support for Ethiopia’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security of both Ethiopian citizens and foreign nationals. He also encouraged the Ethiopian Ministry of Defence to continue providing direct briefings to the international diplomatic and military community.

South Sudan Deputy Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Poul Chamu called on the international community to support Ethiopia’s peace efforts, emphasizing the close relationship between peace in Ethiopia and stability in neighbouring South Sudan.

“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,” he said.

Chamu commended Ethiopia’s efforts to help communities affected by the conflict and urged international actors to engage with both sides to support a peaceful resolution.

Across their remarks, the attachés emphasized the importance of respecting Ethiopia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting civilian lives and supporting efforts to restore peace. Their comments also underscored the regional significance of Ethiopia’s stability and the security implications that developments within the country can have for neighbouring states.