In order to bolster its maritime capabilities, Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has turned to France for assistance in developing a naval force. This initiative comes in response to the dynamic geopolitical landscape of the Red Sea region, where Ethiopia aims to deploy a naval presence to ensure safety and security.
The aspiration for a naval force was articulated by Dima Nego, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs at the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives. The discussion took place during a meeting on January 17, which saw the participation of French military representatives and members of the Ethiopian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Peace Standing Committee.
Tawfik Abdullahi, leading the Foreign Relations Subcommittee, engaged in dialogue with the French delegation led by Thomas Gassilloud. The conversation highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to peacekeeping and the critical importance of the Red Sea region to the country’s security interests.
Ethiopia’s quest for maritime access has been a peaceful endeavor, yet it has faced challenges. Efforts to secure a sea outlet have been misinterpreted by other nations, including the European Union, as a potential prelude to conflict. Consequently, Ethiopia negotiated with Somaliland, a territory claimed by Somalia, signing a memorandum of understanding that would recognize Somaliland’s independence in exchange for a naval port.
This agreement, however, sparked a diplomatic crisis with Somalia. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud cautioned Ethiopia against implementing the plan, citing the risk of war. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sought to defuse tensions, emphasizing the fraternal relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia and the mutual interest in continued trade.
In January 2020, landlocked Ethiopia reestablished its navy for the first time since 1991, when the war with Eritrea deprived it of its access to the Red Sea. Earlier In December 2019, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met his Norwegian counterpart Prime Minister Erna Solberg in Oslo, where they discussed rebuilding the lost Ethiopian navy.
Amidst this impasse, Ethiopia looks to France, a longstanding EU partner with historical ties dating back to the establishment of a French protectorate in Djibouti in 1833. France’s connection with Ethiopia was further solidified when Emperor Menelik II granted France its largest embassy in 1907.
Today, Ethiopia is a significant market for France, being its fifth-largest in sub-Saharan Africa and yielding the second-largest trade surplus. The two nations engage in substantial trade, with France exporting transport equipment and pharmaceuticals, while importing Ethiopian agricultural products like coffee.
Military cooperation between Ethiopia and France has been growing, marked by a defence cooperation agreement signed in 2019. This agreement facilitates joint training and exercises, with French forces from Djibouti collaborating with Ethiopian troops.
Moreover, a letter of intent has been signed to establish an Ethiopian naval component with French support. France has already contributed to the rebuilding of the Ethiopian navy, providing training and expertise. The cooperation extends to other military branches, with initiatives to enhance language skills and infrastructure at the Ethiopian International Peacekeeping Training Centre (EIPKTC).
In parallel, Ethiopia’s military has been in discussions with France to upgrade its aerospace capabilities, particularly in the transport sector. This includes potential procurement of helicopters, missiles, UAVs, and aircraft, as revealed in a letter from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to French President Emmanuel Macron. The letter outlines Ethiopia’s intention to strengthen its Air Force with advanced equipment and training for pilots and technicians.
The proposed acquisitions include transport helicopters, multi-role helicopters, transport aircraft, attack helicopters, fighter jets, UAVs, ballistic missiles, and electronic warfare systems. These procurements underscore Ethiopia’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities in the face of regional challenges and its reliance on France’s support to achieve these goals.
