WHEREAS, the Defense Forces of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia are organized to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, to embody the equitable representation of nations, nationalities, and peoples, and to carry out their 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 they are directed and which is consistent with their contemporary commitments and which takes into account their 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: