EPRDF's Kuma Demekssa Barks Armed Force to Ensure The "Existing Democratic System in The Country"

Ethiopia: Defence Ministry Undertakes Activities Ensuring Democracy,Averting Threat of War

The Ethiopian Herald (Addis Ababa)

March 28, 2006
Posted to the web March 28, 2006

ENA
Addis Ababa

The Ministry of Defence said it has undertaken various activities in a bid to ensure the existing democratic system in the country and boost the capability of the armed forces in defending national sovereignty.

Presenting the six-month performance report to the Foreign, Defence, and Security Affairs Standing Committee of the House of Peoples' Representatives, Minister of Defence, Kuma Demekssa said yesterday the key activity of the ministry during the current year is to avert a threat of war as an option.

Hence, Kuma said, the ministry has carried out capacity building activities geared toward boosting the defence capability of the armed forces and the capacity of the executive body within the ministry.

Pointing out that safeguarding the Constitution is the major duty and responsibility of the defence force, Kuma said, lots of activities have been undertaken with a view to raising the awareness of the armed forces on the prevailing political situation and make them psychologically prepared in maintaining the constitutional order.

The ministry has been assisting members of the armed forces in improving their academic competence, he said.

Kuma said the armed forces have been playing their level best to efforts geared toward controlling anti- peace elements and terrorists and prohibiting them from undemocratic moves and terrorist acts in the country.

Reforming the ministry is one of the key activities of the ministry presently, the minister said, adding that various activities have been in progress to improve the institutional capacity of the ministry.

The ministry is committed more than ever before to ensure unimpeded development and democratic system in the country and strengthen achievements registered so far in the defence sector, he said.

The human resource administration and development system of the ministry has been executed to ensure transparency, participatory, and accountability within the ministry, he said.

Kuma said the ministry has designed a five-year strategic plan in a bid to enable the ministry contribute its level best in ensuring dependable democratic system and sustainable development in the country.

The minister and other senior officials in the ministry have provided detailed explanations on the activities of the ministry and answered questions raised by the members of the standing committee and the public.

Responding to a question related to the budget of the ministry, the minister said the budget has been declining over the last two years.

He also said a huge portion of the budget has been used for construction of health service institutions, defence-related facilities, and to the establishment of army services.

After thorough discussions, members of the standing committee appreciated the report and urged the ministry to intensify efforts in gender related issues, prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, and environmental development sectors.

Source: Wayane's Ethiopian Herald www.ethpress.gov.et/Herald/articleDetail.asp?articleid=36973