By:Lalu Etalla
The Ethiopian Navy has completed the construction of a state-of-the-art Headquarters building and established a self-sustaining training academy in Bishoftu.
The developments mark a dramatic institutional transformation aimed at neutralizing regional security threats at a distance and safeguarding Ethiopia’s core national interests, according to Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kindu Gezu.
In an exclusive interview with EBC, the Chief Commander stated that the foundational purpose and development process of the Ethiopian Navy are rooted in achieving Ethiopia's strategic national goals and interests. Having built its capacity from the ground up, the Navy has now reached a high stage of growth in personnel development, training, armament, and institutional infrastructure.
Shifting away from previous foreign reliance to build self-sustaining centers, a basic naval training center has been constructed in Bishoftu. The facility has officially begun training its first cohort of recruits utilizing domestic capacity, local instructors, and modern facilities, Vice Admiral Kindu revealed.
He further highlighted the completion of a state-of-the-art Navy Headquarters building, designed to serve future generations and meet contemporary global standards.
Numerous officers have been sent abroad for multi-year advanced studies in marine engineering and related fields. In addition, the Ethiopian Maritime and Logistics Services Enterprise and Bahir Dar University's Maritime Institute are actively supporting the Navy by providing skilled manpower and technical expertise.
To address the volatile security climate in the region and combat maritime crimes, competitive Marine Commando battalions have been established. Specialized units trained to clear both natural and artificial obstacles have also been prepared through rigorous domestic and international training programs.
Despite national challenges and resource constraints in recent years, significant progress has been achieved by leveraging the expertise of former senior naval officers and establishing strategic partnerships with friendly nations.
Emphasizing that all institutional standards align with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and international maritime law, Vice Admiral Kindu reaffirmed that the drive to build a powerful naval force that guarantees Ethiopia's national interest will continue with reinforced momentum.
