Birhanu Jula Gelalcha
Birhanu Jula Gelalcha is an Ethiopian general of the Ethiopian National Defense Force. He is currently the Chief of General Staff of Ethiopia since 4 November 2020. He served as the Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) from 2014 to 2016.[1]
General Birhanu Jula Gelalcha | |
|---|---|
| Chief of General Staff | |
| Assumed office 12 November 2020 | |
| Prime Minister | Abiy Ahmed |
| Preceded by | General Adem Mohammed |
| Force Commander, United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei | |
| In office 21 November 2014 – 15 January 2016 | |
| Nominated by | Ban Ki-moon |
| Appointed by | Abiy Ahmed |
| Preceded by | Yohannes Gebremeskel Tesfamariam |
| Succeeded by | Hassen Ebrahim Mussa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ethiopia |
| Nationality | |
Biography
Birhanu Julia holds a bachelor's degree from Alpha University College and a master's degree from Greenwich University, both in Addis Ababa. In 2006, Gelalcha worked with the UN Mission in Liberia and held the position of Sector Commander. He has also held various other positions with the army including with the Ministry of National Defence, the Cadet School and Brigade Operations. From 2006 to 2009, he was the army's Deputy Commander of the Central Command. In 2010, Gelalcha was appointed Commander of the Western Command in the Ethiopian Army.[1]
Gelalcha was appointed as Force Commander of UNISFA on 21 November 2014 by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.[1] At the time, he was a major general. He was promoted to lieutenant general sometime before 9 December 2015.[2] His term ended on 15 January 2016 with the appointment of Major General Hassen Ebrahim Mussa.[3]
References
- "Secretary-General Appoints Major General Birhanu Jula Gelalcha of Ethiopia Force Commander of United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei". United Nations.
- Trust, Gurtong. "UN Under-Secretary General For Field Support Visits UNISFA". www.gurtong.net. Retrieved 2018-07-02.
- "UN chief appoints Major General Hassen Ebrahim Mussa of Ethiopia to head peacekeeping force in Abyei". UN News. 2016-01-15. Retrieved 2018-07-02.