ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Kenya and Ethiopia have signed a second Defence Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing and joint operations to tackle cross-border security threats, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and contraband smuggling.
The agreement was signed at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Addis Ababa by Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, and his Ethiopian counterpart, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula.
Under the pact, the two militaries will enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism, border security, joint military exercises, defence industry development, and specialised training.
“The bilateral engagement seeks to establish a structured framework for more efficient, effective and timely collaboration in addressing contemporary security threats,” the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) said in a statement. “It also focuses on advancing joint training, enhancing interoperability and strengthening mechanisms for rapid intelligence sharing.”
The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement with the Chief of the Ethiopian National Defence Forces, Field Marshall Birhanu Jula, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.See more:
Kenya and Ethiopia first signed a defence pact six decades ago. The latest agreement follows a series of meetings in Nairobi and Addis Ababa, including a November 2024 visit by a Kenyan military delegation that discussed expanding joint training and security operations.
General Kahariri described the deal as “a clear expression of African self-reliance, mastering our collective fate through cooperation, ingenuity and shared action.”
Field Marshal Jula echoed the sentiment, saying the agreement not only reinforces bilateral ties but also contributes to regional stability.
“Beyond benefiting the two countries, the agreement will have a positive impact on regional peace and security,” he said.
Both countries are active contributors to the African Union Stabilisation Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), where their forces are engaged in efforts to combat extremist groups and restore peace in the region.
