Russia offers training and military support for Ethiopia’s naval expansion

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Friday March 14, 2025

Ethiopian and Russian military officials strengthen defence cooperation as they inspect a construction site and formalize agreements in a signing ceremony. CREDIT / FDRE

Mogadishu (HOL) — Ethiopian and Russian naval officials have discussed strengthening military cooperation, particularly in maritime training and capacity-building, as Ethiopia continues efforts to establish a naval force despite being landlocked.

Russian Deputy Navy Commander Admiral Vladimir Vorobiev and Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Commodore Jemal Tufisa met in Addis Ababa on Friday to explore areas of potential collaboration. According to an official statement from the Ethiopian National Defense Force, discussions focused on training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and technical cooperation to support Ethiopia’s naval development.

During the visit, the Russian delegation toured Ethiopia’s naval institutions, including the Ethiopian Naval Training Center in Bishoftu, where they assessed ongoing efforts to establish Ethiopia’s naval capabilities.

Commodore Jemal Tufisa said Ethiopia prioritizes training and operational capacity-building to establish a functional naval force. He noted that continued cooperation with Russia could enhance Ethiopia’s preparedness to secure its national interests in regional waters.

Ethiopia’s push to develop a naval force comes during broader regional tensions, particularly regarding its efforts to secure maritime access. In January 2024, Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), granting Ethiopia access to a 19-kilometer stretch of Somaliland’s coastline near Berbera. In exchange, Ethiopia committed to recognizing Somaliland’s independence, making it the first UN member state to do so. Somalia, which claims Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory, strongly opposed the deal, recalling its ambassador from Addis Ababa and declaring the agreement “null and void.”

The dispute prompted diplomatic mediation efforts, leading to the Ankara Declaration in December 2024. The agreement, brokered by Turkey, sought to de-escalate tensions by emphasizing Ethiopia’s right to sea access under Somalia’s sovereignty rather than through unilateral agreements with Somaliland. However, questions remain about how the deal will be implemented.

Ethiopia’s naval ambitions and growing military ties with Russia have raised concerns among regional and international actors. Somalia has responded by strengthening military cooperation with Egypt, which has supplied arms and is expected to provide troops to Somalia as part of its broader geopolitical rivalry with Ethiopia.

Additionally, Ethiopia’s increased military presence in Somalia’s Gedo region, where Ethiopian forces recently took control of key airports, has further escalated tensions. The move was interpreted as an effort to counter potential Egyptian military support for Somalia. Meanwhile, al-Shabaab insurgents have sought to exploit these regional divisions, raising concerns that diplomatic disputes could weaken counterterrorism efforts.

Russia’s involvement in Ethiopia’s naval development aligns with its broader strategy to expand military influence in Africa. Since the decline of Wagner Group operations following Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death, Russia has established the Africa Corps under the Ministry of Defense to continue military engagements across the continent. Russia’s partnerships, including the latest discussions with Ethiopia, reflect its goal of strengthening defence ties with African nations.

While the discussions with Russia signal Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to develop its naval forces, no formal defence agreement was announced.

Ethiopian and Russian military officials strengthen defence cooperation as they inspect a construction site and formalize agreements in a signing ceremony. CREDIT / FDRE

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