Kenya, Ethiopia sign second defence agreement, allowing intelligence sharing of security threats
Kenya and Ethiopia have signed a second Defence Cooperation Agreement, committing to share intelligence to address cross-border security challenges, including human trafficking, contraband smuggling and drug trafficking.
The agreement will also enable the two militaries to collaborate in joint military exercises, training, defence industry development, counter-terrorism, border security and related military matters.
It was signed by the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, and the Chief of the Ethiopian National Defence Forces, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“The bilateral engagement seeks to establish a structured framework for more efficient, effective and timely collaboration in addressing contemporary security threats. It also focuses on advancing joint training, enhancing interoperability and strengthening mechanisms for rapid intelligence sharing,” the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) said.
The two countries are long-standing security partners, having signed the initial defence pact six decades ago.
A series of meetings held in both Nairobi and Addis Ababa led to the signing of the second cooperation agreement yesterday in the Ethiopian capital. One of these meetings, held in November last year, saw a Kenyan delegation visit Addis Ababa, where the two militaries agreed to expand joint training and security operations.
“This is a clear expression of African self-reliance, mastering our collective fate through cooperation, ingenuity and shared action,” General Kahariri said.
For his part, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula said the agreement reflects the long-standing relationship between the two nations, rooted in shared borders, history and common challenges.
“Beyond benefiting the two countries, the agreement will have a positive impact on regional peace and security,” he said.
Both nations are currently contributing troops to the African Union Stabilisation Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
