ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – General Charles Kahariri, Kenya’s Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), and Field Marshall Birhanu Jula, Chief of the Ethiopian National Defence Forces, have signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The bilateral engagement signed today, Thursday, September 25, 2025, seeks to create a formal framework for more efficient, effective, and timely collaboration in combating modern security challenges.
It also aims to advance collaborative training, improve interoperability, and strengthen systems for quick intelligence exchange.
In his remarks, General Kahariri emphasised that strengthening defence connections between the two countries is an investment in innovation, robust infrastructure, and industrial capacity.
“This is a clear expression of African self-reliance — mastering our collective fate through cooperation, ingenuity, and shared action,” said the Kenyan CDF.
Field Marshall Jula, for his part, underlined the Ethiopian National Defence Forces’ commitment to the collaboration.
“This pact symbolises the two countries’ long-standing connection, which is based on shared boundaries, history, and problems,” explained Field Marshall Jula.
What else did Field Marshall Birhanu Jula say
He further expressed optimism that the cooperation will not only strengthen both countries’ peace and security, but will also contribute to the region’s stability and prosperity.
This new development comes when the Multi Agency Experts Working Group (MEWG) (MEWG) from EAC Partner States has been gathering in Arusha, Tanzania, for a three day meeting from 22 – 24 September 2025.
The just-concluded meeting focused on reviewing and refining the final draft of EAC Mutual Defence Pact that will establish and operationalise a mechanism for Mutual defence among partner states.
The Kenyan Delegation is represented by Senior Officers from KDF and Officials from Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior and National Administration and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
What Brig S M Huria told his peers in Tanzania
The head of delegation was Brig S M Huria COOPS DHQ, who is also the chairperson of the meeting.
During his opening remarks, Brig Huria emphasised on the importance of the Mutual Defence Pact which is not only a legal agreement but a powerful symbol solidarity and shared commitment.
“By working together, we strengthen our collective defence capabilities, deter potential aggression and foster a culture grounded in peace, cooperation and mutual respect,” he further said.
He urged all to engage with openness, professionalism, show spirit of regional unity and work collectively towards developing the Mutual Defence Pact that truly reflects the vision and aspirations the EACs founding fathers.
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