Ethiopia receives Russian fighter jets

Ethiopia received 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets on Wednesday during the third Russia-Africa summit, as announced by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The delivery was part of a prior agreement with Russia, though details on the full extent of the order were not disclosed.

Ethiopia to get air defense systems

In addition to the fighter jets, Ethiopia is set to receive four batteries of S-400 air defense systems. Abiy Ahmed stated that these systems would help the country "continue confidently on our path toward collective security and regional stability in the future."

Russia-Africa summit gathers African nations

The Russia-Africa summit took place in the Russian capital on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing together delegations from 48 African countries. The event aimed to strengthen economic and military ties between Russia and African nations.

Abiy and Eritrean leader meet at summit

Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki were both present at the summit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed a desire for Ethiopia and Eritrea to normalize their relations, offering to assist if the two countries wished to establish contact.

Ethiopia and Eritrea have tense relations

Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are currently high, with the two neighbors having broken diplomatic relations and accusing each other of attempts at destabilization. Eritrea, which gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, is ruled by Isaias Afewerki, who has never organized a single election.

Eritrea’s ties with Russia and actions in Tigré

Eritrea is closely aligned with Russia, having voted against a United Nations resolution in March 2022 demanding the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. Security sources indicated that Eritrea deployed several thousand soldiers in the Ethiopian region of Tigré in October, which was then out of the control of Ethiopian federal authorities. The Eritreans were eventually pushed back to the border by numerous drone strikes by Ethiopian forces.