Addis Ababa, September 20, 2025 (FMC) – President Taye Atskeselassie, acting on the proposal of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has approved a wide-ranging set of promotions within the Ethiopian National Defense Force, elevating dozens of senior officers to higher ranks in which reflects a major step in strengthening the country’s military leadership.
The appointments, made official on September 20, 2025 via the Office of the Prime Minister, encompass promotions across the top echelons of command.
Four senior officers were conferred the rank of General, including Lt. Generals Alemshet Degfe, Desta Abche, Yimer Mekonnen, and Driba Mekonnen.
Two officers – Maj. General Kefyalew Amde Tessema and Maj. General Kindu Gezu Tegegn – were elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General, while 17 others were promoted to Major General.
The newly appointed Major Generals include Tadesse Amelo Si’esa, Bulti Tadesse Kitila, Hailu Endeshaw Atomsa, Wagnew Aleme Ayalew, Negera Lelisa Muleta, Tesfaye Regasa Amente, Dereje Megersa Eseta, Berhe Gebre-Medhin Demewoz, Yassin Muhamed Sisay, Zewdu Setarge Demeke, Milkesa Regasa Itefa, Meles Mengiste Nirey, Teshome Anagaw Ayele, Amare Bahta Berhe, Abebaw Seid Yimer, Desta Temesgen Aragaw, and Kemal Ebiso.
In addition, 43 senior officers formerly serving as Colonels were promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, reflecting the government’s effort to bolster command capacity across various units of the national defense structure.
The promotion look to be part of a broader reform agenda aimed at modernizing Ethiopia’s armed forces, enhancing professionalism, and recognizing distinguished service.