Ethiopia and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on May 6, 2025, to enhance cooperation between their national police agencies. The agreement focuses on security and intelligence sharing.
The collaboration aims to combat cross-border crime and build capacity through shared experiences and training. For Iran, this MOU strengthens ties with a strategically located regional power in the Horn of Africa.
Tehran has been expanding its political and economic ties in Africa, including providing drone support to Ethiopia during the Tigray war. It has also supplied surveillance and combat drones to the Sudanese army.
The agreement is crucial for Ethiopia as it seeks to combat ethnic militias and address internal instability. It follows a meeting between Ethiopian and UAE officials regarding cross-border crime.
Ethiopia's willingness to engage with regional rivals demonstrates a pragmatic approach to foreign relations. The country faces challenges including the rise of ethnic militias, economic adversity, and tensions with Eritrea.
Since 2016, Ethiopia has served as a gateway for Iran in the Horn of Africa. The relationship dates back to the 1960s, with Ethiopia being a key trading partner before and after the Iranian Revolution.
Relations were revived under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and strengthened further under President Ebrahim Raisi, who provided military aid during the Tigray war. Ethiopia faces increasing instability, including economic crisis and ethnic tensions.
The security cooperation with Iran could help Ethiopia combat ethnic militias and prepare for potential conflict with Eritrea. Tensions have resurfaced due to the Pretoria peace agreement and Ethiopia's ambitions for a Red Sea port in Somaliland.
Ethiopia's engagement with both Iran and the UAE highlights a convergence between regional rivals. Despite their opposing stances in conflicts like Yemen and Sudan, both countries have provided assistance to Ethiopia.