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Ethiopia The 1987 Constitution and the Armed Forces
The constitution, which took effect on February 22, 1987,
made several explicit references to the history, missions,
and organization of the armed forces. The preamble took note
of Ethiopia's "great victory at Adwa over [Italy's] modern
colonialist army" and recalled that "the army, being an
integral part of the people . . . [laid] . . . the
foundations of the new people's system by eliminating the
monarchy and taking various revolutionary steps." Chapter 4
of the constitution was devoted to defense issues. It called
for the government, through its defense force, to defend and
safeguard the revolution, and it reminded the people that
these duties were their responsibilities. Accordingly, the
constitution stated that the government would implement
national service, and in a later chapter it stipulated that
"national military service is the right and obligation of
every Ethiopian. Its implementation shall be decided on by
law."
In terms of civilian control of the armed forces, the
constitution stated that the highest body in the government,
the National Shengo (National Assembly), was responsible for
determining defense and security policy and for declaring
states of war and peace. Subordinate to this body was the
Council of State, charged with implementing decisions of the
National Shengo. The president of the Council of State was
also the president of Ethiopia and commander in chief of the
armed forces. The Council of State was empowered to
establish a national-level Defense Council (whose duties and
responsibilities were not, however, spelled out). The
president chaired the Defense Council and appointed its
members. He also was entitled to "appoint senior state,
civil, and military ranks."
Data as of 1991
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