Rwanda and Ethiopia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation.
The MoU was signed on Thursday, March 13, when General Mubarakh Muganga, Chief of Defense Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), led a delegation to the headquarters of Ethiopia’s National Defence Force (ENDF).
Gen. Muganga, accompanied by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Charles Karamba, Brig. Gen. Patrick Karuretwa, Head of RDF’s International Military Cooperation, and senior officers from the Ministry of Defense, signed an MoU on Defense Cooperation with his counterpart, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of ENDF.
For over 20 years, Rwanda and Ethiopia have maintained a strong defense partnership, marked by joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and training programs.
In October 2024, Rwandan defense officials met with Ethiopian military leaders to enhance cooperation, focusing on peacekeeping and regional security initiatives.
On December 16, 2024, the Rwanda National Police and the Ethiopian Federal Police signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in promoting peace, stability, and security. The agreement was signed during an official visit by Rwanda’s Inspector General of Police to Ethiopia.
Beyond defense, Rwanda and Ethiopia share strong diplomatic ties and cooperate in various sectors, including law enforcement, trade, air services, capacity building, agriculture, education, health, culture, tourism, correctional services, extradition treaties, mutual legal assistance, women and children’s welfare, communication, information, and media.
The two nations also collaborate on multilateral initiatives and have signed agreements to boost trade and investment.
In February 2024, during the Third Joint Ministerial Commission meeting, Ethiopia and Rwanda finalized agreements on trade, investment, and political consultations, aiming to streamline regulatory frameworks and create business opportunities.
Additionally, both nations have established air service agreements to improve connectivity and promote tourism.
On Saturday, February 15, in Addis Ababa, President Paul Kagame met with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, on the sidelines of the 2025 African Union Summit.
Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral partnerships across key development sectors to deliver tangible benefits for the people of both nations. 