FILE - In this May, 28, 2000 photo, Ethiopians sit under an Ethiopian flag as they watch a parade in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event at Hawassa International Stadium drew senior leaders including Chief of General Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula and Deputy Chief General Abebaw Tadesse. Abiy emphasized that defense reforms have transformed the command into a modern force integrating airborne, commando, and counter-terrorism divisions. Celebration amid regional tensionsThe anniversary comes as tensions persist in northern Tigray, where the 2020-2022 conflict killed hundreds of thousands. The show of force signals Ethiopia's determination to maintain military readiness while honoring six decades of service safeguarding national sovereignty.

Source: Ethiopian News February 23, 2026 16:46 UTC