ADDIS ABABA (AMECO) — Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, declared that Ethiopia has accorded him the ultimate honor a person could receive, adding that he has spared nothing in his service to the nation.
He made the remarks during the official launching ceremony of his biography titled “Dil Qursu” (ድል ቁርሱ), subtitled “The Military Genius Emerging from the Kuyera Rivers.”
“Ethiopia has given me the ultimate honor due to a person, and I have withheld nothing from Ethiopia,” Field Marshal Birhanu stated.
Addressing the gathering, the army chief revealed that he initially had no interest in publishing a book about his personal life, preferring instead to write on broader subjects such as Ethiopian politics and warfare. However, he relented following persistent encouragement from many who argued that his upbringing and trajectory could serve as a practical model for future generations to contribute to nation-building.
Evoking iconic national heroes to emphasize collective duty over self-aggrandizement, Field Marshal Birhanu noted: “A nation is built by Belay Zeleke, by Abdisa Aga, and it is built by Field Marshal Birhanu; however, it should not be about inflating or glorifying a specific individual.”
He expressed confidence that the biography would provide the upcoming generation with knowledge to serve the country and act as a foundational resource for shaping tomorrow’s defense forces, while urging others to write their own accounts.
Compiled across eight chapters and 355 pages, “ድል ቁርሱ” narrates Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelalcha’s journey from childhood to maturity, detailing his national contributions, struggles, and strategic military leadership in defending the motherland.
The launch event was attended by high-ranking dignitaries, including Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, former President Dr. Mulatu Teshome, senior military officers, high-level government officials, and veteran defense force commanders.
