In a move underscoring Ethiopia’s expanding engagement in regional and international security cooperation, the Ethiopian Federal Police has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Iranian police, aimed at strengthening bilateral collaboration in law enforcement and intelligence-sharing.

The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa by Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael and Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Radan, outlines a framework for joint operations targeting cross-border crime, intelligence exchange, and institutional capacity building through training and technical cooperation. According to the Ethiopian Federal Police, the MoU also introduces periodic review mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and mutual accountability.

This development reflects a broader trend in Ethiopia’s international policing partnerships. In March, Commissioner Demelash also met with a delegation from the Dubai Police, led by Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Mohammed, Chief Forensic Investigator. That meeting focused on bolstering cooperation in criminal investigations, particularly regarding transnational fugitives. Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the UAE on extradition efforts and investigative collaboration, especially concerning suspects allegedly involved in crimes in Dubai who later fled to Ethiopia.

The back-to-back engagements with Iran and the UAE signal Ethiopia’s intent to assert a more active role in regional law enforcement networks, balancing relationships across a complex geopolitical landscape while addressing its own internal and cross-border security challenges.