By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — The Amhara Regional State government has conducted a series of graduation ceremonies across multiple zones to deploy newly trained militia forces aimed at reinforcing law enforcement and bolstering local defense capabilities.
According to news updates released by the Amhara Regional Communication Office, newly trained units include “combined security forces” in Kombolcha and North Wollo, as well as auxiliary “Degen” forces in South Wollo and South Gondar. Regional observers noted that graduating cohorts wore distinct military-style uniforms corresponding to their respective administrative zones.
Training programs conducted under the regional motto “Protect with Bravery, Serve with Humanity” were completed in major urban centers, including Woldia, Bahir Dar, Debre Berhan, and Gimbä city.
In addition to municipal security units, specialized regional formations have been established in key border districts. In Wolqayt, additional units of the “Tekezé Guard” completed training, while the Korem City Communication Office confirmed that members of the “Raya Guard”—recruited from Alamata, Raya Alamata, and Raya Bala—have reached the final stages of operational and psychological readiness training.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for Degen force recruits in Gimbä city, Major General Admasu Alemu, Commander of the 11th Division of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), praised the coordination between local peace forces and federal military units, stating that joint security operations will continue to expand.
At a separate ceremony in Kombolcha marking the conclusion of a 10-day intensive training course, Dr. Eshetu Yesuf, Head of the Amhara Regional Peace and Security Bureau, outlined the primary mandate of the combined security forces.
“The combined security forces must create close ties with the public and coordinate with the national defense forces to thwart harmful activities that undermine public safety,” Dr. Eshetu emphasized.
Wendwesen Lisanework, Deputy Mayor of Kombolcha, urged the graduates to maintain strict professional ethics while fulfilling their national duty to safeguard regional stability and constitutional order.
Strategic Objectives in North Wollo and South Gondar
In North Wollo Zone and Woldia city, administrative and party leadership highlighted the dual military and humanitarian objectives of the newly trained personnel.
Kedir Mustefa, head of the North Wollo Zone Prosperity Party branch office, stressed that true bravery encompasses both national service and humanitarian care for affected communities. North Wollo Zone Chief Administrator Arage Yimer instructed the graduates to maintain vigilance over local security.
“As defense Degen forces, you must monitor the activities of foreign mission executors and, by securing liberated areas, fulfill your responsibility to rescue the public from bandits,” Arage stated.
Dubale Abrare, Deputy Mayor of Woldia, underscored the necessity of establishing a rapid-response auxiliary force to support the ENDF, regional police, and peace enforcement agencies.
Similarly, in the South Gondar Zone, Prosperity Party branch office head Meneber Kifetew addressed graduating Degen units, calling on them to act as a decisive force in countering anti-peace activities and preserving public order.
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