Ethiopia commemorated the 65th anniversary of its Special Operations Command in a ceremony held at Hawassa International Stadium, attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and top military officials. During the event, Abiy praised the military's modernization efforts aimed at enhancing defense capabilities, particularly in light of recent tensions with the Tigray region, which suffered extensive turmoil during the civil war from 2020 to 2022. The celebration featured traditional cultural rituals performed by elders from the Sidama community, emphasizing themes of honor, unity, and resilience amidst ongoing conflict.

The anniversary ceremony included displays of enhanced military capabilities, with troops showcasing precision drills, water-borne exercises, and coordinated airborne operations. Abiy underscored the transformative impact of recent defense reforms, declaring that the command has evolved into a modern military force that incorporates diverse operational units such as airborne troops, commandos, and counter-terrorism divisions. His remarks conveyed a sense of national pride and an acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by past generations in building the nation’s defense forces.

The backdrop of the celebration is critical, as tensions remain high in the Tigray region, which has experienced significant instability and conflict over the past few years. Despite the anniversary's celebratory nature, the context of ongoing unrest casts a shadow on the military’s achievements and highlights the delicate balance the Ethiopian government must maintain in its efforts to foster unity while addressing regional divisions.