Ethiopia and Rwanda have strengthened their military ties with a new defense cooperation agreement, signed by Ethiopia’s Chief of General Staff, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, and Rwanda’s Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Mubarak Muganga. The agreement, signed during Lt. Gen. Muganga’s official visit to Ethiopia, aims to enhance collaboration in various military sectors, further deepening the long-standing defense relationship between the two nations.

A joint press statement released after the signing emphasized the historic military cooperation between Ethiopia and Rwanda. Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of External Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), noted that both countries have been working together on military matters for years, and the new agreement seeks to strengthen that partnership. Similarly, Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa, Director of International Military Cooperation for the Rwanda Defense Force, praised Ethiopia’s consistent support for Rwanda and reiterated the strong bond between the two countries.

This agreement positions Rwanda as the latest country to formalize military cooperation with Ethiopia, following recent agreements with Kenya, Qatar, South Africa, South Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates. The growing number of defense partnerships signals Ethiopia’s expanding military diplomacy and strategic alliances across Africa and beyond.