Addis Ababa, 25 September 2025 – Kenya and Ethiopia have entered into a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing security collaboration and deepening long-standing military ties between the two neighbours.
The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa on 24 September by the Chiefs of Defence Forces from both countries, General Charles Kahariri of Kenya and Field Marshal Birhanu Jula of Ethiopia.
According to Kenya’s Ministry of Defence, the deal provides a structured framework for cooperation in joint training, rapid intelligence sharing, and improved inter-operability between the two militaries. It also seeks to strengthen preparedness for addressing contemporary security challenges, including terrorism, cross-border crime, and regional instability.
General Kahariri described the signing as “a clear expression of African self-reliance – mastering our collective fate through co-operation, ingenuity, and shared action.”
Field Marshal Jula highlighted the historical dimension of the accord, noting that the relationship between Kenya and Ethiopia is “rooted in shared borders, history and common challenges,” and that the agreement was a natural extension of this partnership.
The signing comes just days after regional experts met in Arusha, Tanzania, where the East African Community (EAC) reviewed the final draft of its Mutual Defence Pact (MDP). The pact, once ratified, is expected to provide a legal and operational framework for collective security across the bloc.
Kenyan Brigadier SM Huria, speaking at the Arusha meeting, said the pact would be more than a legal document: “By working together, we strengthen our collective defence capabilities, deter potential aggression and foster a culture grounded in peace, co-operation and mutual respect.”
Security analysts view the Kenya–Ethiopia agreement as a step forward in regional alignment. With Ethiopia playing a key role in the Horn of Africa and Kenya an anchor in the EAC, closer coordination between the two is expected to contribute significantly to regional peace and stability.
Crazy to see Kenya and Ethiopia finally nipping at each others heels in true East African style, all over a draft defense pact! 😂 One minute theyre squabbling, the next theyre coordinating like best bros. Dream big, suffer daily indeed – sounds like regional integration is running a fever. Hope their defense cooperation doesnt lead to a repeat of the Tana River hydropower project fiasco, though. Lets just hope this synergy doesnt end with them both claiming ownership of the Red Sea next. Stay tuned, folks!đếm ngược