Ethiopia and Russia have signed a cooperation agreement to modernize Ethiopia’s navy. This initiative includes training and capacity building, following Ethiopia’s goal of reviving its navy after being landlocked since 1993. The agreement underscores Ethiopia’s intent to expand its naval capabilities with support from various foreign partners, including France and now Russia, amidst ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Ethiopia is making strides in revamping its navy amid efforts to gain access to seaports. Recently, a Russian Navy delegation, led by Admiral Vladimir Vorobyev, visited Ethiopian naval facilities and a training center in Bishoftu, located about 30 miles from Addis Ababa. During the visit, Russia and Ethiopia signed a cooperation agreement focused on training and capacity building, advancing Ethiopia’s naval modernization efforts.
The agreement aims to enhance the Ethiopian navy’s ability to protect its interests in international waters. Commodore Jamal Tufisa, the Ethiopian Deputy Commander for Operations, stated that both nations will collaborate to bolster the naval rebuilding efforts initiated by Ethiopia, which had dissolved its navy after losing access to the sea in 1993.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiated the navy’s revival in 2018, following which France committed to assisting with Ethiopia’s maritime capabilities. This support was formalized during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Ethiopia, culminating in a defense cooperation agreement.
In 2023, Ethiopia celebrated a graduation ceremony for its navy personnel trained in essential skills such as navigation and engineering by both native and foreign instructors. The partnership with Russia indicates Ethiopia’s goal to diversify its training allies as it seeks to restore its maritime strength.
Simultaneously, Russia is pursuing opportunities for a permanent base in the Indian Ocean. Recent discussions with Sudan about a Russian base in Port Sudan have surfaced, although ongoing civil unrest in Sudan may hinder progress on establishing foreign naval bases there.
Ethiopia’s strategic move to rebuild its navy through collaboration with Russia emphasizes its commitment to enhancing maritime capabilities and security. The historical context of its navy’s dissolution and the current training initiatives illustrate a significant shift in the nation’s defense strategy. Overall, this partnership not only aligns with Ethiopia’s ambitions for naval modernization but also reflects broader geopolitical trends in the region.
Original Source: maritime-executive.com
