US Defense Team Begins Human Rights Training in Ethiopia

• A US defense team from Rhode Island has started providing training at Ethiopia's Defense Peacekeeping Center.
• The training focuses on human rights protection and compliance with international military law during missions.
• Ethiopia remains a significant contributor to international peacekeeping, despite a decline in deployments.
• The training is part of a bilateral agreement between the US and Ethiopia aimed at mutual benefit.

The ongoing training is expected to strengthen knowledge related to Ethiopia's responsibilities in African Union and other international peacekeeping missions.

A Rhode Island-based US defense team has started providing military training at Ethiopia's Defense Peacekeeping Center, focusing on human rights protection and compliance with international military law during missions. The training began on August 17 as part of a bilateral military cooperation agreement between the two countries. This marks another instance of the United States providing training to Ethiopia under bilateral arrangements aimed at mutual benefit. According to Lieutenant Colonel Menasse Hailu, director of training at the ENDF's Main Directorate of Defense External Relations and Military Cooperation, international partners recognize that addressing instability in the Horn of Africa requires Ethiopia's involvement. The ongoing training is expected to strengthen knowledge related to Ethiopia's responsibilities in African Union and other international peacekeeping missions.

Despite a sharp decline in its deployments in recent years, Ethiopia has remained a significant contributor to international peacekeeping. Its personnel contributions fell from over 8,300 in 2012 to 3,446 in 2025, yet the country remained among the world's top 10 contributors of military personnel to multilateral peace operations. Ethiopian peacekeepers continue to serve in missions across the region, including in Somalia. In February 2026, Major Tigist Ferede received a UN Medal for her contribution to peacekeeping and civilian protection efforts while serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The training is part of Ethiopia's continued role in regional peace and security, which has been growing due to its positive contributions. According to Lieutenant Colonel Zachary McArthur, coordinator of the US training delegation, Washington is working closely with Ethiopia to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The training will also help strengthen knowledge related to human rights protection and adherence to international law during military operations. This is particularly relevant given the challenges facing multilateral peacekeeping, including geopolitical rivalries, political deadlock, and severe funding shortages.

Lawyers advising clients on international business or investment in Ethiopia should be aware of the country's continued role in peacekeeping missions and its implications for human rights compliance during military operations.

Source: Original reporting via Addis Standard