Ethiopia’s security reforms aim to consolidate power

Significance

The announcement followed days of violent protests in Amhara region resisting ENDF efforts to confine the region’s special forces to their bases for disarmament. The move establishes the ENDF as Ethiopia’s only legitimate military force and represents a major shake-up of the prevailing security dispensation.

Impacts

• Some special forces members will be integrated into the regular security forces, but not all can be.
• The absorption of large numbers of fighters with specific regional loyalties may exacerbate internal divisions within the army.
• Regional states may be able to reallocate security budgets towards social services but pressure on the federal budget will grow.