ADDIS ABABA/NAIROBI, (HAN) – Ethiopia and Kenya have signed a renewed Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), reviving a historic military pact that dates back to 1963, the year Kenya gained independence. The signing marks a significant step in strengthening regional security ties between the two neighboring countries, both of which play pivotal roles in the Horn of Africa’s stability.
The agreement was signed at the Ethiopian Ministry of Defense headquarters in Addis Ababa by the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, and the Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula.
According to officials, the new DCA establishes a structured framework for military-to-military cooperation, covering areas such as joint training, intelligence sharing, coordinated border security, and counter-terrorism operations. The pact is also expected to enhance collaboration in peacekeeping missions under the African Union and the United Nations, where both Ethiopia and Kenya have long been key troop-contributing countries.
Field Marshal Birhanu Jula emphasized that the agreement reflects the long-standing bonds between Ethiopia and Kenya, describing it as a continuation of the “spirit of solidarity” forged during Kenya’s independence struggle. General Charles Kahariri, for his part, noted that the updated framework would allow the two countries to address “emerging security threats” more effectively, including terrorism, cross-border crime, and regional instability.
The renewed deal comes at a time when both nations are facing mounting security challenges. Ethiopia continues to grapple with internal conflicts and border tensions, while Kenya has intensified counter-terrorism operations against Al-Shabaab militants who operate from neighboring Somalia. Analysts say the strengthened partnership could improve the coordination of security efforts along their shared border and contribute to wider regional stability.
Regional observers also highlight the symbolic importance of the pact, as it revives one of the earliest military cooperation agreements in East Africa. By reaffirming their defense ties, Ethiopia and Kenya are signaling a commitment to collective security in a region often marred by political and military tensions.
The implementation phase of the agreement is expected to begin in the coming months.
Joint defense committees from both sides will oversee the rollout, with initial steps focusing on harmonizing border patrols, joint trainings, and intelligence coordination.
If successful, the Ethiopia-Kenya DCA could serve as a stabilizing factor in the Horn of Africa, while also setting the stage for broader regional defense cooperation at a time when instability and terrorist threats remain persistent.
