Ethiopian Federal Police
-
From Traditional Justice to Modern Law Enforcement: The Historical Journey of the Ethiopian Police
Ethiopia's long history of statehood has allowed it to develop crime prevention and justice systems that reflect its social and cultural values. Before the establishment of a modern police force, various communities in the country used their own long-standing traditional systems. Among these were the comprehensive Gadaa system of the Oromo people , dispute resolution mechanisms like
Shimgilina (mediation by elders) in the Amhara and Tigray regions , and practices such as
Med'a and Her within the Afar and Somali communities, respectively. These systems were primarily based on community acceptance, and community-participatory investigation methods like "Afarsata" were widely used to identify wrongdoers.
Beginning in the 15th century, various monarchs made several attempts to replace these indigenous customs with a centralized administration and establish a unified police force. In this process, forces known by different names were established. For example, a domestic security force called "Hibret" was formed during the reign of King Ziyon , a peacekeepers force known as "Imme Hizb" was established during the reign of Emperor Dawit I , and a force called "Leba Adin" (Thief Catcher) was founded during the reign of Emperor Iyasu. Although these attempts were part of an effort to build a central law enforcement body, they did not fully embody a modern structure and form.
A new chapter in the history of modern Ethiopian police began during the reign of Emperor Menelik II. Through a historic proclamation on Miyazya 29, 1901 E.C. (April 1909 G.C.), the emperor established the police force known as the "Arada Zebegna" (City Guard). This force was distinct from its predecessors as it possessed the hallmarks of a modern police force: a standard uniform, number, and emblem , and the legal authority to arrest violators of the law. Its accountability, which shifted from palace officials to a government body (the Ministry of Interior), further demonstrated its modern approach.
The service of the Arada Zebegna was interrupted following the Italian invasion of 1928 E.C. (1936 G.C.). During Italy's five-year occupation, a colonial police force called the "Polizia Coloniale" was established. Its main function was to suppress opposition to Italian rule and maintain the fascist order.
Following liberation, the Ethiopian police was reorganized during the era of Emperor Haile Selassie. The Imperial Ethiopian Police was officially established by Proclamation No. 6 on January 23, 1934 E.C. (1942 G.C.), with a paramilitary structure. This era was marked by a strong focus on enhancing the professional competence of the police. The Abadina Police College (now the Ethiopian Police University), established in 1939 E.C. (1947 G.C.), was instrumental in producing officers trained in scientific investigation methods and modern police work, enabling the institution to gain greater capacity and respect.
The change of government in 1967 E.C. (1974 G.C.) brought a radical transformation to the police institution. During the Derg regime, the force was restructured as the "Revolutionary Police," with its primary mission being the protection of the revolutionary government. During this period, many professionally competent police members left the force, and its structure became partisan rather than public-oriented, causing the institution to lose the trust it once held among the people.
After the fall of the Derg regime in 1983 E.C. (1991 G.C.), the existing police force was dissolved , and a new structure was created as the country adopted a federal system. The Constitution, ratified in 1987 E.C. (1995 G.C.), stipulated that the police force be organized at the federal and regional levels. This new chapter introduced various reforms, capacity-building efforts, and new philosophies such as community-oriented policing. In connection with the changes that have occurred since Miyazya 2010 E.C. (April 2018 G.C.), new, study-based reform work is being implemented to build a professional and independent police institution that can stand the test of time and uphold the rule of law. This long journey of the Ethiopian police is a historical process that closely reflects the nation's political and social transformations.
-
Mission
To ensure peace, security and the rule of law in the country by building a professional police force
That prevent crime , and investigate crime if committed .
-
Vision
To see, by 2022 e.c., a police institution which is top among five police institutions in Africa, and that ensured its professionalism, that is inclusive, and loyal to the people
-
Values
There are four values of the Ethiopian Federal Police:
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Respect For Diversity
- Respect For Human Rights
-
Organization Motto
Protect With Courage; Serve With Compassion!