WHEREAS, the Defense Forces of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is organized, to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, to embody the equitable representation of nations, nationalities and peoples, and to carry out its functions free of any partisanship to any political organization;

WHEREAS, it has been found necessary to have a legal framework for the Defense Forces of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia by which is directed an consistent with its contemporary commitments and which takes into account its future commitments;

WHEREAS, it has become necessary to revise and consolidate the existing legal framework of the Defense Forces of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 55(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is hereby proclaimed as follows: