Ethiopia, Italy forge security partnership to tackle transnational organized crimes

Ethiopia, Italy forge security partnership to tackle transnational organized crimes

Addis Ababa, April 30, 2024 (FBC) – In a move to strengthen regional security, the governments of Ethiopia and Italy have agreed to enhance cooperation in preventing and tackling organized cross-border crimes.

The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting between Ethiopian Federal Police Commissioner, General Demelash Gebre-Michael, and Italian Carabinieri Deputy Commander, Lieutenent General Riccardo Galletta, in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

During the discussions, Lt.-Gen. Galletta confirmed that the Italian Carabinieri, the national gendarmerie of Italy, will provide support and professional assistance to the Ethiopian police patrol boats responsible for securing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD.

Additionally, the Italian side pledged to offer training to the Ethiopian police force in areas such as police leadership, forensic science, and VIP protection. This capacity-building initiative aims to bolster the capabilities of the Ethiopian law enforcement agencies, according to the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission.

Furthermore, the two countries agreed to collaborate on providing material support for the establishment of a Forensic Science Institute at the Ethiopian Police University. This joint effort is expected to enhance the investigative and analytical capacities of the Ethiopian police.

“This agreement is a testament to the growing security partnership between Ethiopia and Italy,” said Commissioner General Demelash. “By combining our resources and expertise, we can more effectively combat the common threat of organized cross-border crimes that pose a challenge to both our nations.”

Both sides have also reached an understanding to conduct joint operations targeting transnational criminal networks, underscoring their commitment to a coordinated regional approach to security.

This landmark agreement comes at a time when cross-border crimes, such as human trafficking, smuggling, and terrorism, have emerged as pressing concerns for countries in the Horn of Africa region. The Ethiopia-Italy partnership aims to strengthen the collective response to these evolving security threats.