Russia has agreed to assist Ethiopia in rebuilding its naval capabilities, formalized through a cooperation agreement signed during a visit by a Russian Navy delegation. The agreement focuses on training and capacity building, enhancing the readiness of the Ethiopian Navy which has been reestablished under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s vision. Ethiopia aims to expand partnerships while revitalizing its naval operations, coinciding with Russia’s interest in establishing a presence in the Indian Ocean.
Ethiopia is advancing its naval capabilities as part of a broader initiative to attain seaport access. Recently, a delegation from the Russian Navy, led by Deputy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Vladimir Vorobyev, visited naval facilities in Bishoftu, where both nations formalized a cooperation agreement focused on training and capacity building. Russia has committed to assisting Ethiopia in modernizing its naval forces in the wake of a previous visit in 2022.
The agreement aims to enhance Ethiopia’s naval readiness, with Commodore Jamal Tufisa emphasizing that “both sides will continue to work together to strengthen the naval rebuilding that Ethiopian navy has begun.” The Ethiopian Navy, which was originally established in the 1950s, was disbanded after Eritrea gained independence in 1993, leaving Ethiopia landlocked. However, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced plans to revitalize the naval forces upon taking office in 2018, seeking support from international partners including France.
Subsequently, an international defense cooperation agreement with France was signed, paving the way for France’s assistance in restoring Ethiopia’s maritime capabilities. Recently, in 2023, the newly formed Ethiopian Navy witnessed a graduation ceremony for personnel trained in essential naval skills such as navigation, engineering, and communication, highlighting their partnerships with both foreign and domestic instructors.
This agreement with Russia signifies Ethiopia’s interest in diversifying its international partnerships for navy training. Furthermore, it aligns with Russia’s strategic ambition to establish a permanent naval presence in the Indian Ocean, amidst discussions regarding potential naval bases in Port Sudan, albeit complicated by the ongoing civil unrest in the region.
Ethiopia is actively seeking to rebuild its naval forces with the assistance of international partners, particularly Russia. The recent cooperation agreement signals a move towards enhancing the Ethiopian Navy’s capabilities, a significant step for a nation striving for maritime access after decades of being landlocked. Ethiopia’s collaboration with diverse nations like Russia and France demonstrates a commitment to improving its naval readiness and reflects the growing geopolitical interests in the region.
Original Source: maritime-executive.com
