Kenya and Ethiopia have strengthened their defence relations with the signing of a Defence Cooperation Agreement in Addis Ababa.
In a statement on Thursday, September 25, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) announced that the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, signed the agreement with the Chief of the Ethiopian National Defence Forces, Field Marshall Birhanu Jula, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
According to KDF, the bilateral engagement seeks to establish a structured framework for more efficient, effective, and timely collaboration in addressing contemporary security threats.
It also places emphasis on advancing joint training, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening mechanisms for rapid intelligence sharing to deal with emerging challenges within and beyond their borders.
In his remarks, Kahariri outlined the importance of bolstering cooperation in defence and security matters, describing it as both a strategic necessity and an investment in resilience.
Read More
"This is a clear expression of African self-reliance, mastering our collective fate through cooperation, ingenuity, and shared action," he said.
On his part, Field Marshall Jula reaffirmed Ethiopian National Defence Forces’ commitment to the partnership, pointing to the long-standing ties between the two countries and the mutual challenges they continue to confront.
He noted that the new agreement captures the essence of shared responsibility in safeguarding peace and development within the region.
Earlier in the month, Kahariri hosted the newly appointed Commander of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Nairobi.
In a statement on Thursday, September 4, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) said upon his arrival he was accorded military honours, including a guard mounted by KDF.
"On arrival, General Anderson was accorded military honours, including a guard mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), before being received by the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri at the Defence Headquarters," the statement read.
During the visit, the two military leaders held detailed discussions aimed at strengthening military partnerships.
"The two commanders held extensive discussions centered on enhancing military partnerships in the areas of regional security, counterterrorism, capacity building, professional military education, and joint operations," the statement added.
According to KDF, Anderson praised Kenya’s role in maintaining stability across the Horn of Africa.
"General Anderson commended Kenya for its steadfast role in promoting peace and stability across the Horn of Africa, particularly in countering violent extremism and supporting peacekeeping missions in the region. He noted that Kenya remains a critical partner for the United States in advancing shared security interests," the statement further read.
On the other hand, Kahariri reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening international defence collaborations.
"On his part, General Kahariri welcomed the AFRICOM Commander and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working closely with the United States and other partners to strengthen peace and security across the continent. He highlighted Kenya’s ongoing defence modernization programmes and the importance of sustained international partnerships in addressing evolving security threats," the statement concluded.
