by: Michele Vollaro | May 2, 2024
In the context of strengthening regional security, the governments of Ethiopia and Italy have agreed to enhance cooperation in preventing and combating cross-border organized crimes. The news was reported by the Ethiopian broadcaster FanaBC, from which we learn the agreement was reached during a high-level meeting between the commissioner of the Ethiopian Federal Police, Demelash Gebre-Michael, and the deputy general commander of the Carabinieri, Riccardo Galletta , in the capital Addis Ababa.
During the discussions, Galletta confirmed that the Carabinieri will provide support and professional assistance to the Ethiopian police patrols in charge of the security of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Furthermore, the Italian side committed to offering training to the Ethiopian police force in areas such as police leadership, forensic science and the protection of important personalities. This capacity building initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of Ethiopian law enforcement agencies.
In addition, the two countries agreed to collaborate on material support for the establishment of an Institute of Forensic Sciences at the Ethiopian Police University. This joint effort is expected to improve the investigative and analytical capabilities of the Ethiopian police.
Both sides also reached an understanding to conduct joint operations against transnational criminal networks, underlining their commitment to a coordinated regional approach to security.
The agreement comes at a time when cross-border crimes, such as human trafficking, smuggling and terrorism, have emerged as urgent concerns for countries in the Horn of Africa region. The Ethiopia-Italy partnership aims to strengthen the collective response to these evolving security threats.
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