Red bonnets, airborne units and a regional message — Abiy signals Ethiopia’s military ambitions beyond its borders.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday hailed the country’s elite airborne forces as a symbol of “purpose in one wing and discipline in the other,” in a high-profile ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the Special Operations Command.
Speaking at Hawassa International Stadium before senior military officials and defense leaders, Abiy — commander-in-chief of the armed forces — described the red-beret unit as an “exceptional gift of Ethiopia,” embodying the country’s culture, identity and national resolve.
“These heroic figures are not just fighters,” he said, portraying the force as both a shield against threats and a vehicle for national transformation.
The celebration comes at a time when Ethiopia faces complex security challenges at home and across the Horn of Africa. Abiy framed the airborne command not only as a domestic security asset but as a regional stabilizer. He said Ethiopia seeks to promote peace and counter terrorism from Somalia to the Red Sea port of Massawa, signaling broader strategic ambitions.
Equipped with advanced technology and specialized training, the two-winged unit is designed for rapid deployment and preemptive operations, the prime minister said. Its mission, he added, is to deter conflict before it escalates and to respond decisively when crises emerge.
Abiy linked the force’s evolution to Ethiopia’s long-term state-building project, arguing that national strength rests on disciplined institutions capable of safeguarding sovereignty and stability. He extended congratulations to East African nations, describing the elite unit as a contribution to continental security.
The anniversary event was marked by a display of military precision and symbolism, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on unity, national pride and regional influence.
In a volatile region, Abiy’s message was clear: Ethiopia intends to remain not only a defender of its borders, but a strategic actor shaping security across the Horn of Africa.
