The burgeoning relationship between Ethiopia and Rwanda continues to strengthen, marked by a flurry of high-level visits, comprehensive agreements, and a growing emphasis on security cooperation. Recent developments underscore the deepening partnership between the two East African nations, signaling a robust and multifaceted alliance.
The foundation of this relationship rests on consistent diplomatic engagement, exemplified by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Rwanda, where he held pivotal bilateral talks with President Paul Kagame. According to the Rwandan Embassy in Addis Ababa, the two countries enjoy “very good relations,” spanning a wide array of sectors like security and defense, trade and air Services, agriculture, education, health, culture, tourism and other.
In recent months, security and military collaboration have taken center stage. During last year’s Continental Peace Conference, then-Ethiopian Minister of Peace Binalf Andualem and Rwandan Minister of Interior Vincent Biruta reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering bilateral cooperation, including in crucial sectors like health, education, agriculture, and, significantly, security.
The most recent demonstration of this intensified security partnership came last week, with the signing of a pivotal defense cooperation agreement. The agreement, signed at the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) headquarters in Addis Ababa, solidifies the commitment to enhanced collaboration in defense matters.
Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of the General Staff of the ENDF, and his Rwandan counterpart, Lieutenant General Mubarak Muganga, formalized the agreement, signaling a new chapter in the countries’ security alliance.
Officials announced that the Ethiopia and Rwanda have solidified their long-standing military cooperation with a new agreement focusing on joint training, experience sharing, and counter-terrorism efforts.
Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of External Relations and Military Cooperation at the ENDF, emphasized the existing strong relationship between the two nations, stating, “We have agreed to further strengthen the existing comprehensive cooperation.”
The agreement will see increased collaboration on military capacity building, training, and the exchange of expertise, particularly in combating terrorism.
Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa, Director General of Rwanda’s International Military Cooperation, acknowledged Ethiopia’s crucial support in times of need, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to deepening military ties. “Ethiopia is a country that has come to our aid quickly in times of need,” he said.
During his visit, Rwandan Chief of Staff General Mubarak Mugaga also held discussions with Deputy Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), General Sisay Tola, focusing on regional security and the military capabilities of both countries.
General Mugaga toured the Intelligence Fusion Center and a digital exhibition showcasing NISS reforms, expressing admiration for the agency’s advancements in human resources, technology, and institutional development. He praised the NISS’s enhanced capacity to safeguard national security.
Furthermore, General Mugaga visited the newly inaugurated SkyWin Aeronautics Industry drone manufacturing facility, which produces drones for civilian, military, and security applications. The Rwandan delegation expressed strong commendation for Ethiopia’s overall military and security achievements.
This growing security cooperation comes at a time when regional stability remains a key concern. By strengthening their military ties, Ethiopia and Rwanda are signaling a shared commitment to addressing regional security challenges.
It was recalled that in post 1994 genocide in Rwanda, Ethiopia was among the countries that deployed peacekeeping forces to Rwanda. Notably, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was a member of the Ethiopia’s peacekeeping mission, which further highlights the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Beyond security, the diverse range of cooperative agreements reflects a holistic approach to bilateral relations. The focus on trade, capacity building, and social sectors demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and mutual prosperity.
Following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Rwanda last year, Press Secretary Billene Seyoum briefed the media, highlighting the visit as a significant step in enhancing strategic cooperation between Ethiopia and Rwanda. Key discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame focused on pressing regional issues in the Horn of Africa, signaling a unified approach to addressing shared challenges.
A major focus of the visit was exploring Rwanda’s successful agricultural practices, particularly in animal husbandry and poultry, which hold potential for adaptation and implementation in Ethiopia. “The Prime Minister and his delegation observed firsthand the innovative approaches employed in Rwanda’s agricultural sector, identifying areas of synergy with Ethiopian initiatives,” stated Billene.
Demonstrating their commitment to partnership, the Rwandan government has allocated 7.771 hectares of land for constructing a new Ethiopian Embassy in Kigali. This gesture underscores deepening diplomatic ties and facilitates enhanced bilateral engagement.
Additionally, the mayors of Addis Ababa and Kigali have formalized a cooperation agreement aimed at exchanging best practices in urban administration and modernization. This collaboration is expected to drive improvements in service delivery, infrastructure development, and overall city management in both capitals.
In similar vein, Five years after Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s pivotal state visit to Ethiopia, his promise of unprecedented collaboration appears to be materializing, as evidenced by recent developments across multiple sectors. During his 2018 three-day official visit, President Kagame declared his nation’s commitment to working “hand in hand” with Ethiopia to drive transformative change. Now, tangible progress in defense, trade, and diplomatic relations suggests those words are taking root.
The most recent indicator of this strengthened partnership is the defense agreement signed last week. Adding a layer of regional significance to this partnership is Rwanda’s membership in the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). This agreement, aimed at ensuring equitable and sustainable utilization of the Nile River’s resources, demonstrates Rwanda’s commitment to regional cooperation and its willingness to engage in complex water resource management issues. While Ethiopia’s stance on the Nile is well-known, Rwanda’s inclusion in the CFA adds a dimension of collaborative understanding to the overall partnership.
The deepening relationship between Rwanda and Ethiopia is not merely a matter of bilateral interest. It reflects a broader trend of intra-African cooperation, demonstrating the potential for nations to forge strong alliances based on shared goals and mutual respect.
The evolving relationship between Ethiopia and Rwanda is a testament to the power of diplomatic engagement and strategic partnership. As the two nations continue to deepen their ties, they are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of East Africa.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025
