Ethiopia and Russia Forge Naval Cooperation to Rebuild Maritime Forces

Ethiopia is collaborating with Russia to rebuild its navy amid efforts to gain maritime access. A recent visit by a Russian naval delegation resulted in a cooperation agreement for training. This initiative continues Ethiopia’s commitment to modernizing its naval force, following similar agreements with France.

Ethiopia is advancing its naval capabilities with the assistance of Russia. Recently, a Russian delegation led by Admiral Vladimir Vorobyev visited Ethiopian naval facilities in Bishoftu, where a cooperation agreement was signed for training and capacity building. This collaboration aims to modernize Ethiopia’s navy and enhance its readiness to protect national interests in international waters, as stated by Commodore Jamal Tufisa of the Ethiopian Navy.

Originally established in the 1950s, Ethiopia’s navy was dissolved following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, rendering the country landlocked. In 2018, however, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced plans to revive the navy, initiating partnerships for rebuilding naval capabilities. An initial agreement with France in 2019 resulted in a defense cooperation framework aimed at reconstructing the navy.

In 2023, Ethiopia celebrated the graduation of personnel trained in key naval skills, facilitated by both local and foreign instructors. The recent agreement with Russia signifies Ethiopia’s intention to diversify its foreign training partnerships. This move aligns with Russia’s strategic interest in establishing a permanent naval base in the Indian Ocean, particularly in light of its recent engagements with Sudan amid the ongoing civil conflict there.

In summary, Ethiopia is strategically focusing on revitalizing its navy with international support, particularly from Russia. The cooperation agreement reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to modernizing its naval forces while seeking diverse training partnerships. As the geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean evolve, Ethiopia seeks to ensure its maritime interests are adequately safeguarded by strengthening its naval capabilities.

Original Source: maritime-executive.com