Naval officials from both Ethiopia and Russia gathered in Addis Ababa to talk strengthening military relations, with a focus on naval training and capacity-building of Ethiopian National Defence Force. The meeting, held on 14 March, Russian Deputy Navy Commander Admiral Vladimir Vorobiev met Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Commodore Mr Jemal Tufisa.
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) confirmed that discussions centered on training programs, technical support, and initiatives aimed to advance Ethiopia’s efforts to establish a naval force. The Russian delegation also visited Ethiopia’s naval training facilities, including the Ethiopian Naval Training Center in Bishoftu, to assess ongoing developments in Ethiopia’s naval capabilities.
Ethiopia’s Naval Aspirations Amid Regional Crisis
Ethiopia has prioritized naval expansion despite being a landlocked country and its lack of direct access to the sea. In January last year, Ethiopia signed a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, securing a military base 20km coastline near Berbera in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. The agreement sparked strong opposition from Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory.
The diplomatic fallout led to regional mediation, culminating in the Ankara Declaration in 11 December last year, brokered by Türkiye. The declaration emphasized Ethiopia’s right to sea access but within Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s military buildup in Somalia’s Gedo region, Jubaland State, including its control of key airports, has heightened tensions. Somalia has responded by deepening military cooperation with Egypt, which has provided arms and is expected to deploy troops to Somalia within AU Peacekeeping troops of AUSSOM, escalating geopolitical rivalries in the HoA region.
Russia’s Expanding Military Influence in Africa
Russia’s engagement in Ethiopia’s naval aspirations aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen military influence across the African continent. Following the decline of the Wagner Group also known as African corps, Russia has formed the Africa Corps under its Ministry of Defense to maintain its defense partnerships in Africa . Ethiopia’s naval aspirations and growing relations with Russia have drawn international scrutiny, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa region.
Despite these discussions, no official defense agreement was announced between Ethiopia and Russia. However, Ethiopia remains committed to developing its naval force, viewing maritime access as a strategic necessity. France pastly trained Ethiopia’s naval forces.