Why Ethiopia–U.S. defense cooperation is growing, from counterterrorism to maritime security

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s top military commander said the country’s defense partnership with the United States will remain strong as both nations move to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism and regional stability — including support for Ethiopia’s push for peaceful access to the Red Sea.

Field Marshal Berhanu Jula met Friday in Addis Ababa with a U.S. delegation led by Gen. Dagvin R. M. Anderson of U.S. Africa Command. Both sides discussed ways to bolster security in the Horn of Africa, where Ethiopia has emerged as a key U.S. partner in efforts targeting al-Shabab and other extremist groups.

Berhanu said Ethiopia has worked with the United States across multiple military sectors and continues to play “a major role” in fighting terrorism in the region. He tied the country’s longstanding need for sea access to economic development and lasting peace.

The field marshal added that the U.S.–Ethiopia military relationship “will continue to be strengthened,” noting that both countries intend to expand operations aimed at weakening al-Shabab and disrupting its networks.

Gen. Anderson praised Ethiopia’s contributions to security in the Horn of Africa and its role in counterterrorism missions. He said Washington supports Ethiopia’s pursuit of peaceful access to the sea and views such access as a potential contributor to broader regional stability, including the Red Sea corridor.

Defense officials said discussions will continue in Washington, where Ethiopian representatives are expected to outline security priorities alongside diplomatic efforts related to sea access.

• What’s new: Ethiopia and the United States signaled plans to intensify joint counterterrorism efforts, with an emphasis on operations against al-Shabab and coordination across multiple military sectors.
• Why it matters: Both sides linked Ethiopia’s peaceful access to the Red Sea with long-term regional stability, elevating the issue from an economic concern to a security priority.
• Who’s involved: Field Marshal Berhanu Jula led the Ethiopian side; the U.S. delegation was headed by Gen. Dagvin R. M. Anderson of U.S. Africa Command.
• What’s next: Follow-on talks in Washington will detail Ethiopia’s security agenda and its diplomatic approach to sea access.

The renewed engagement underscores the centrality of counterterrorism to U.S. policy in the Horn of Africa and Ethiopia’s continuing role as a regional actor. By linking maritime access to security outcomes, both governments framed the Red Sea not just as a commercial lifeline but as a strategic axis for stability.

Neither side provided operational specifics from the meeting, but officials emphasized continuity in security cooperation and the intention to expand joint efforts against extremist networks. The agenda also reflected a shared interest in preventing spillover instability and strengthening regional partnerships.

The emphasis on “peaceful access” to the sea signals that Ethiopia seeks to advance its maritime objectives through diplomacy. U.S. officials indicated that Washington supports that approach and sees it as complementary to broader efforts to reduce tensions and strengthen economic resilience across the Horn of Africa.

As talks move to Washington, both governments are preparing to translate Friday’s assurances into a practical roadmap — one that aims to curb extremist threats while framing Ethiopia’s maritime access as part of a wider security architecture for the region.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.