Ethiopia and Djibouti sign military agreement to jointly combat cross-border crime

Addis Ababa, January 23, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia and Djibouti on Friday formalized a military agreement aimed at jointly combating trans-border crime.

The accord was signed by Lieutenant General Assefa Chekol, Commander-in-Chief of the North-Eastern Command of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), representing Ethiopia, and Colonel Ali Shehmi, Commander of the North-Western Front, representing Djibouti.

Lieutenant General Assefa highlighted the long-standing military cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing their shared history in securing border areas against cross-border criminal activities and militant threats. He noted that a military survey conducted along the border a year ago laid the groundwork for the current agreement and served as a model for strengthening bilateral military collaboration.

He further indicated that Ethiopia and Djibouti will continue to reinforce military cooperation by reviewing and expanding existing agreements to address emerging security challenges.

Major General Tesfaye Woldemariam, Ethiopian Military Attaché in Djibouti, stressed that both countries are jointly addressing key peace and security concerns. He noted that close coordination among regional military leaders is essential for the effective implementation of the agreements, and that the latest pact is expected to significantly enhance bilateral military relations.

Colonel Ali Shehmi underscored that the agreements, built on the strong ties between the two nations, will enable them to prevent and address cross-border crimes more effectively.

The discussions that led to the agreement included the creation of a joint operational structure, the exchange of timely and secure intelligence, and the coordinated prevention of cross-border criminal activities, ENDF online.media team told.Fana Media Corporation.