Ethiopia will focus heavily on upgrading its defense forces through technological self-reliance and local equipment manufacturing while striving to end the cycle of armed conflict, President Taye Atske-Selassie announced. Building a modern, technology-driven security apparatus stands as a primary national priority for the coming year to protect sovereignty and ensure long-term stability.

Under the updated strategy, security institutions will be empowered to independently produce and deploy modern technology. This push for strategic autonomy aims to sharpen the operational readiness of the national defense forces and federal security organs, anchoring Ethiopia’s core national interests on a dependable foundation.

Expressing deep appreciation on behalf of the government, President Taye praised service members for placing national honor above personal benefit and serving as a shield for public safety. At the same time, he emphasized that lasting peace requires moving away from the culture of the gun, calling for a political practice built firmly on dialogue, knowledge, and mutual listening.

Turning to the legislative agenda, the president called on parliamentarians to fulfill the public trust by passing laws that propel the nation forward, reminding them that political authority rests strictly on the consent of the people. He urged lawmakers to focus on good governance, economic expansion, and curbing the rising cost of living by driving up production and productivity across key sectors.

President Taye also stressed the need to reinforce health, education, and national infrastructure. He concluded by calling for the consolidation of progress achieved over the past five years in agriculture, mining, investment, service delivery, and technology, elevating initial gains to achieve peak economic effectiveness.