President Taye Atsek Selassie Appoints New Military Leadership

Addis Ababa, September 10, 2018 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s military command structure witnessed a major reshuffle on Monday after President Taye Atsek Selassie, acting on the recommendation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), approved the promotion and appointment of dozens of high-ranking officers across the armed forces.

The appointments, which span the ranks of General, Lieutenant General, Major General, and Brigadier General, mark one of the most significant leadership updates in recent years and are seen as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to professionalize the defense establishment and consolidate institutional loyalty during a period of political transition.

Four Officers Promoted to Full General

The highest promotions went to four senior officers elevated to the rank of General:

Lt. Gen. Alemshet Degfe
Lt. Gen. Desta Abche
Lt. Gen. Yimer Mekonnen
Lt. Gen. Driba Mekonnen

These officers are expected to take on enhanced strategic responsibilities, overseeing critical defense operations and contributing to Ethiopia’s security policymaking.

New Lieutenant Generals

Two Major Generals were advanced to the rank of Lieutenant General:

Maj. Gen. Fefyalew Amde Tessema
Maj. Gen. Kindu Gezu Tegen

Their promotions reflect both battlefield experience and long-standing service within Ethiopia’s military institutions.

Expanding the Ranks of Major Generals

A total of 17 Brigadier Generals received appointments as Major Generals, a move that broadens the leadership cadre available to the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). Among them are:

Brig. Gen. Tadesse Amelo Siasa
Brig. Gen. Bulti Tadesse Kitila
Brig. Gen. Hailu Endeshawu Atomsa
Brig. Gen. Wapnew Aleme Ayalew
Brig. Gen. Negera Lelisa Muleta
Brig. Gen. Tesfaye Regasa Amente
Brig. Gen. Dereje Megersa Eseta
Brig. Gen. Berhe Gebermedhin Sada
Brig. Gen. Yassin Mohamed Sisay
Brig. Gen. Zewudu Wittarge Demeke
Brig. Gen. Milkesa Regasa Itefa
Brig. Gen. Meles Mengistu Nrey
Brig. Gen. Teshome Anagaw Ayele
Brig. Gen. Amare Bahta Berhe
Brig. Gen. Abebaw Said Yimer
Brig. Gen. Desta Temesgen Aragaw
Brig. Gen. Kemal Ebiso

Forty-Three Colonels Elevated to Brigadier General

The reshuffle also saw an unprecedented 43 Colonels promoted to Brigadier General, reflecting the government’s bid to inject fresh leadership into the upper ranks. The list includes seasoned officers such as Col. Girma Feye Kebede, Col. Demeke Mengistu Tsedu, Col. Temesgen Asmamau Asnake, Col. Getnet Adane Kassa, Col. Yohannes Mekonnen Ejeta, and Col. Ababoo Sheme Legese, among many others.

This large intake into the Brigadier General rank will play a critical role in operational commands, logistical management, and regional deployments.

Significance of the Appointments

The sweeping nature of these promotions underscores Ethiopia’s ongoing military restructuring. Analysts suggest that the appointments are intended to strengthen the government’s hold over the defense apparatus at a time of political reform and shifting security dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

By promoting a mix of experienced generals and rising officers, the administration appears to be balancing continuity with renewal, while also ensuring that trusted commanders occupy key positions in the ENDF.

The Ethiopian government has emphasized that these promotions are not only a recognition of past service but also a strategic investment in the future stability of the nation. With regional security challenges and internal political reforms underway, the new leadership team will be closely watched for how effectively it manages Ethiopia’s defense priorities.

ADDISINSIGHT