Birhanu Jula Gelalcha

Birhanu Jula Gelalcha (, born 1965) is an Ethiopian military officer who is the current Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force since 4 November 2020. He served as the Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) from 2014 to 2016.

Biography Birhanu holds a bachelor's degree from Alpha University College and a master's degree from Greenwich University, both in Addis Ababa. In 2006, Birhanu 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, Birhanu was appointed Commander of the Western Command in the Ethiopian Army. His term ended on 15 January 2016 with the appointment of Major General Hassen Ebrahim Mussa.

On 8 January 2022, Birhanu was promoted to Field Marshal (or "Field Marshal General", the rank varies among sources) by prime minister Abiy Ahmed and president Sahle-Work Zewde. He is awarded the Blacklion High Heroes Medal.