Ethiopia and Rwanda have signed a defense cooperation agreement to enhance military collaboration, focusing on areas like counterterrorism and training. This agreement is part of Ethiopia’s broader military partnerships with various nations, highlighting a commitment to regional security and stability.
On Thursday, Ethiopia and Rwanda formalized their military collaboration by signing a defense cooperation agreement. The agreement was established during discussions between senior Ethiopian defense officials and Lieutenant General Mubarak Muganga, the Army Chief of Staff of Rwanda, who was on an official visit to Ethiopia. A press release from both nations’ defense institutions highlighted the intent to enhance collaboration across various military sectors.
Major General Teshome Gemechu, the Director General of External Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), stated that Ethiopia and Rwanda have a long history of military collaboration. He noted that this new agreement serves to strengthen and consolidate their ongoing cooperation. Key areas of focus in the agreement include counterterrorism efforts, military training, and capacity-building initiatives.
Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa of the Rwanda Defense Force echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the established and enduring relationship between Rwanda and Ethiopia. He acknowledged Ethiopia’s consistent support for Rwanda in critical times and underscored Rwanda’s commitment to deepening military ties with Ethiopia.
Rwanda now joins a growing list of nations engaged in defense agreements with Ethiopia. Previous collaborations include a military agreement with Kenya in November 2022, facilitated by discussions between General Charles Kahariri and Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, which aimed to enhance military partnership and stability in the region.
Ethiopia has also engaged with Qatar to strengthen military relations, following a meeting between Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Ethiopia’s top defense officials earlier this year. Furthermore, Field Marshal Berhanu visited South Africa to explore military cooperation opportunities, and a similar agreement with South Sudan was signed in November 2023.
The defense cooperation agreement between Ethiopia and Rwanda signifies a strengthening of military ties aimed at enhancing mutual security interests. This partnership reflects a broader trend of Ethiopia’s expanding military collaborations with several countries in the region and beyond, emphasizing joint efforts in counterterrorism and capacity building. As these agreements develop, they are likely to foster increased stability and cooperation among East African nations.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
