Ethiopian Naval Forces .. Investment or procurement?

By: Khalid Taha

Ethiopia has become landlocked country in the Horn of Africa after the independence of Eritrea 33 years ago.
But despite that the government there is continuing qualifying it’s naval forces.
A few days ago the Ethiopian Navy has graduated its members trained in various professional fields, including in Navigation, Engineering, Electricity, Communication and Armament Department for two years, state media reported.

Having been reorganized after 31 years, the Ethiopian Navy said its members who graduated have been trained by foreign and domestic instructors in various fields.

In February last year, Ethiopian navy officials briefed a vising Russian navy delegation that works were underway to reorganize the navy unit with trained manpower based on other countries’ navy unit and Ethiopia’s previously existing experience, as well as the national mandate given to it, which has been approved and put into operation by the Defense Forces. An agreement was also reached with the Russian Federation Navy to work together in various fields of training.

A month later, Rear Admiral Kindu Gezu said that Ethiopia was building a navy capable of countering internal and external attacks. The Commander-in-Chief said this during a tour he conducted to the Navy Basic Training School located in Bishoftu, Oromia state, on 24 March where he discussed with the students. He told the trainees that in order for Ethiopia to benefit from its navy, they must effectively complete their training being offered both at home and different countries abroad

The question that poses itself why is Ethiopia active in upgrading its naval forces despite the fact that it is a landlord country?
In an attempt to find an answer we hereby recall the agreement between the French President, Macron with the Ethiopian Prime Minister in 2018 which gave Abiy Ahmed the greenligh to go ahead in estaboa strong navy supported by the Western and regional political cover.
Based on the above we can say that the upgrading of the Ethiopian Naval forces aimed at playing international roles – even in poxy – besides protecting the interests related to River Nile.
The return of the strong Ethiopian Navy is part of old renewable ambitions of Addiss Ababa leaders to make their country the strongest power in the African continent and to accomplish that it’s should have an influencial existence in the near shores in coop with the governments in the region.
The Western and regional acceptance were not the only greenligh for Ethiopia as it acquired the Russian support in 2022.
It is apparent that Ethiopia is designing a roadmap as a pivotal country in East Africa benefiting from its geographical location and its economic impact along with its deep-rooted historic relationship with the international community in general.
It is apparent that Ethiopia desires to become a country that takes the lead in the region.
Most importantly is the contribution of the Ethiopian Naval Forces in the international efforts to eliminate terrorism, piracy and peacekeeping.